Canada Gurdwara Attack: Man Stabs 2 During Morning Prayers Day After Jail Release

Two men were injured in a stabbing incident at the Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple in Edmonton, Canada, on Friday morning after a man allegedly attempted to enter the prayer area and was confronted by gurdwara staff.

The 27-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene after witnesses intervened and detained him until police arrived. According to Edmonton Police Service officials, the suspect had been released from a federal institution just one day earlier.

Two Men Injured Inside Edmonton Gurdwara

Police said the incident happened shortly after 5 am at the gurdwara.

A man reportedly entered the premises and attempted to access the prayer area. Staff confronted him, after which the situation escalated and two male patrons were stabbed with a screwdriver.

The victims, aged 75 and 51, were taken to hospital. Police said both suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses intervened and detained the suspect until officers arrived and took him into custody.

Suspect Released From Jail One Day Earlier

Edmonton Police said the accused has a significant history of violent offences dating back to 2015.

Police said he had been released from a federal institution on August 20, where he had been serving a sentence related to aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer.

Authorities also said he was required to report to a designated Edmonton halfway house but failed to report.

The suspect's identity has not been released because charges were still pending at the time of the report.

Police Investigating Possible Hate Motivation

Investigators are examining whether the attack was motivated by hate or ideology.

Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel said authorities would consider all applicable criminal-code provisions, including provisions related to hate-motivated offences, if evidence establishes such a motive.

Police also assured the Sikh community and residents of Edmonton that the incident was being treated seriously.

Sikh Community Condemns Attack

The incident has drawn concern from members of Canada's Sikh community.

World Sikh Organisation board member Harman Kandola condemned the attack and described it as a reminder of concerns surrounding anti-Sikh hate.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also condemned the incident, expressing solidarity with the injured victims and the wider community.

He said people should not have to feel unsafe while visiting their places of worship.

Investigation Underway

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, including the suspect's actions before entering the gurdwara and whether the incident had any hate-related motivation.

Authorities have urged the public to remain patient while investigators determine the exact motive and circumstances of the attack.