CHANDIGARH: A 27-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing two men, aged 75 and 51, with a screwdriver inside the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada. The two men had reportedly intervened after the accused attempted to enter the prayer area.
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) received a report at 4.49 am on Friday of a man walking in traffic on Highway 15 near Horsehill Road. Less than half an hour later, at 5.05 am, police began receiving reports of a stabbing at the gurdwara in the area.
According to an EPS statement, a man entered the gurdwara and attempted to access the prayer area, where he was confronted by staff. The confrontation escalated, resulting in two male patrons being stabbed.
Witnesses intervened and detained the man until officers from the Northeast Branch arrived at 5.10 am and took him into custody. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) treated and transported the two victims to hospital. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Acting Inspector Eric Stewart said the accused was known to police and had a significant history of violent offences dating back to 2015.
“At this time, we can tell you that the 27-year-old man is known to police and has a significant history of violent offences dating back to 2015,” he said.
Police said the man had been released from a federal institution on August 20, where he had been serving a sentence for aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer. He subsequently failed to report to his designated Edmonton halfway house.
The accused has not yet been named, as charges are still pending.
The EPS Investigative Response Team (IRT) has taken over the investigation and is working closely with the EPS Hate Crimes Unit to determine whether the incident was hate-motivated.
Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel said the incident could have resulted in more serious injuries or fatalities.
“We are thankful that this morning’s event did not result in more significant injuries or deaths, but also recognise that the trauma experienced by the victims and their community cannot be understated,” Driechel said.
He assured the Sikh community and other Edmontonians that police were taking the incident and their safety seriously. He added that all applicable provisions of the Canadian Criminal Code, including those relating to hate-motivated offences, would be considered if investigators determine that the attack was ideologically motivated.
Driechel also urged the public to remain patient and trust the investigation, while acknowledging concerns about rising hate crimes.
“I see the heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing polarisation around the world showing up locally. These realities cannot be ignored, and we need to call them out when they happen. We cannot remain silent,” he said.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have seen the man on Highway 15 early on Friday morning to contact the EPS.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed solidarity with those injured, describing the attack as “appalling” and saying that no one should feel unsafe in a place of worship.
World Sikh Organisation board member Harman Kandola condemned the incident, calling it a reminder of the growing threat of anti-Sikh hate.
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack also expressed solidarity with the Sikh community and said the incident came amid concerns over rising anti-Sikh hate in Alberta.
“Our community and city is built on the values of diversity and inclusion, and we take pride in being a welcoming community that celebrates cultural diversity, with people of all faiths and backgrounds living in Edmonton,” Knack said.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also condemned the violence, saying everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities and places of worship. She added that the provincial government stood with the Sikh community across Alberta against recent acts of violence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are yet to determine whether the attack was motivated by hate.
