A stabbing incident at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in Edmonton during morning prayers left two men injured and has sparked widespread condemnation.

The Edmonton Police Service confirmed that a 27-year-old man was taken into custody following the attack.

The suspect, who has a history of violent offences, had recently been released from a federal facility after serving a sentence for aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer. Authorities revealed that he had failed to report to his assigned halfway house prior to the incident.

Police reports indicate that EPS first received calls at 4:49 a.m. about a man walking in traffic on Highway 15 near Horsehill Road. Minutes later, at approximately 5:05 a.m., officers began receiving reports of an active stabbing inside the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara near 14 Street and Horsehill Road.

The suspect entered the temple and attempted to access the prayer area. When confronted by staff, the situation escalated, resulting in two male patrons being stabbed.

Witnesses on-site intervened and managed to detain the suspect until Northeast Branch patrol officers arrived at 5:10 a.m. He was taken into custody without further incident. Emergency Medical Services treated the victims, a 75-year-old man and a 51-year-old man, at the scene before transporting them to hospital. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The EPS Investigative Response Team has taken charge of the case and is working closely with the Hate Crimes Unit to determine whether the attack was hate-motivated. Charges against the suspect are currently pending.

EPS Chief Warren Driechel stressed the department’s commitment to community safety, noting that while the incident did not result in fatalities, the trauma inflicted on the victims and the Sikh community was profound. He emphasised that such violence has no place in Edmonton.

Initial reports suggested that Sikh scriptures may have been attacked, but temple officials later clarified to CBC News that no sacred texts were damaged. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack, describing it as “appalling” and expressing solidarity with the victims and the wider Sikh community.

He stated that no one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship and thanked the Edmonton authorities for their swift response.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also expressed support, wishing the injured a quick recovery and reaffirming the province’s commitment to defending the right of communities to feel safe in their places of worship.

She highlighted that the incident comes amid a series of despicable acts of violence targeting Sikh institutions in recent days. Her statement underscored solidarity with the Sikh community across Alberta.

The stabbing follows threatening phone calls received by two Sikh temples in Alberta earlier this week, raising concerns about a pattern of intimidation and violence against the community. The incident has intensified calls for stronger measures to safeguard religious institutions and ensure the safety of worshippers.

ANI