1 week ago
Two stabbed at Edmonton gurdwara as hate-crime probe begins
Two men were hurt at a Sikh place of worship in Edmonton, Canada.
Police say a 27-year-old man entered the building with a weapon.
He allegedly tried to reach the prayer area.
Staff confronted him, and two men were stabbed during the confrontation.
Witnesses held the suspect until police arrived.
The injured men were taken to a hospital and were not believed to have life-threatening injuries.
Police are checking whether the attack was motivated by hatred toward the Sikh community.
Canada’s prime minister called the incident appalling and expressed support for the victims and community.
A 27-year-old armed man allegedly stabbed two men inside Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in Edmonton during morning prayers.
The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. Friday near 14 Street and Horsehill Road.
Witnesses intervened and detained the suspect until Edmonton police arrived at about 5:10 a.m.
The victims, aged 75 and 51, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police are investigating whether the attack was hate-motivated; charges were pending, and no sacred texts were damaged.
- Who
- A 27-year-old suspect allegedly attacked two men, aged 75 and 51, inside the gurdwara.
- What
- Two men were stabbed during a confrontation involving an armed man.
- Where
- Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara near 14 Street and Horsehill Road in northeast Edmonton, Canada.
- When
- Friday morning, around 5:00 a.m.; police received the stabbing report at approximately 5:05 a.m.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; Edmonton police are investigating whether the attack was hate-motivated.
Investigators’ Position
Community Concerns
Possible hate motivation
Investigators’ Position
Police have not determined a motive and are investigating whether the stabbing was hate-motivated.
Community Concerns
The attack occurred inside a Sikh gurdwara during morning prayers, prompting concern about possible anti-Sikh or hate-based violence, though this has not been confirmed.
Damage to sacred texts
Investigators’ Position
Police are investigating the overall incident, while temple officials said no sacred texts were damaged.
Community Concerns
Initial reports suggested a Sikh scripture may have been attacked, but temple officials disputed that detail.
Key facts
- Location
- Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara, northeast Edmonton, Canada
- Incident time
- Around 5:00 a.m. Friday
- Suspect
- 27-year-old armed man, arrested by police
- Victims
- Two men, aged 75 and 51
- Injuries
- Stab wounds; both injuries were described as non-life-threatening
- Investigation
- Edmonton Police Service Investigative Response Team and Hate Crimes Unit
- Political response
- Prime Minister Mark Carney called the attack “appalling”
Quotes
Warren Driechel
Chief of the Edmonton Police Service
“We are thankful that this morning’s event did not result in more significant injuries or deaths but also recognize that the trauma experienced by the victims and their community cannot be understated. This level of violence has no place in our city, and we want to assure the Sikh community and all Edmontonians that we are taking this incident and their safety seriously.”
financialexpress.com
“The attack at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton this morning is appalling. My thoughts are with the two people who were injured and the wider community that is shaken by this terrible event. No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship.”
financialexpress.com
Edmonton Police Service
Edmonton’s municipal police service
“Witnesses intervened and detained the man until Northeast Branch patrol officers arrived at 5:10 am and immediately took him into custody. EMS also responded, treated and transported a 75-year-old male and a 51-year-old male to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”
financialexpress.com




