Edmonton, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Two people were injured in an early-morning stabbing at Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple in Edmonton on Friday, with the Edmonton Police Service arresting a 27-year-old man and investigating whether the incident was hate-motivated.
Police said the incident occurred at about 5:05 a.m. after a man entered the gurdwara and attempted to access the prayer area. Staff confronted him, following which two male patrons were stabbed. Witnesses intervened and detained the suspect until police arrived.
Paramedics treated a 75-year-old man and a 51-year-old man before taking them to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Charges were pending, police said.
The Edmonton Police Service’s Investigative Response Team has taken over the investigation and is working with its Hate Crimes Unit to determine whether the attack was motivated by hate or bias. Police have not yet established a motive.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO), citing preliminary information, said an intruder had entered the gurdwara and that there were also reports that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji had been attacked. Police have not independently confirmed the alleged desecration. The gurdwara was closed to the public while the investigation continued.
WSO President Danish Singh described the incident as deeply troubling and called for a thorough investigation, including examination of any possible hate or bias element. He urged governments and law-enforcement agencies to strengthen security at Sikh places of worship.
The incident comes amid concerns within Alberta’s Sikh community following threatening calls reported against two Calgary gurdwaras earlier this month. WSO also cited recent incidents involving alleged anti-Sikh harassment and violence in Alberta and pointed to its national report, which found that more than 80 per cent of surveyed respondents believed anti-Sikh hate and discrimination had increased over the previous five years.
WSO has urged gurdwaras across Canada to review their security arrangements and remain vigilant, while calling for coordinated action by federal, provincial and municipal authorities to address anti-Sikh hate.
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