In brief
In the early hours of 21 August 2026, a 27‑year‑old man entered Edmonton’s Nanaksar Gurdwara and stabbed a 75‑year‑old and a 51‑year‑old worshipper. The victims were unharmed but required treatment. Police detained the suspect shortly after, citing his violent history and recent release from federal prison. The investigation will look into potential hate‑crime motives. The temple has been closed for evidence collection while officials assess the incident’s context. This incident follows earlier alleged threats made to Sikh gurdwaras in Calgary.
A man was apprehended early on the morning of Friday, 21 August, after stabbing two worshippers inside the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada, police said.
The violent incident, which unfolded around 5:00 a.m. local time, left a 75‑year‑old and a 51‑year‑old man wounded but in stable condition. Police have detained an accused 27‑year‑old who had recently been released from a federal prison in Alberta.
Authorities are investigating whether the assault was motivated by hateful ideology. The World Sikh Organization has condemned the assault, citing a desecration of Sikh scripture inside the temple.
The Edmonton police chief urged the public to remain patient as the investigation unfolds while expressing concern over rising hate crimes across the city. Meanwhile, the Gurdwara has been closed to visitors as evidence is collected.
Earlier this week, Edmonton police were probing two threatening calls made to Sikh Gurdwaras in Calgary, a city two hours south of Edmonton.
The suspect’s prior violent history includes incidents dating back to 2015, and he was known to police before the attack.
