Edmonton police lay charges in Sikh temple stabbings as hate investigation continues
Edmonton police have charged a 27-year-old man following a stabbing incident at a Sikh temple that left two men injured. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the attack constitutes a hate crime or an act of terrorism.
Why it matters
The incident has sparked national concern regarding public safety and the potential for targeted violence against religious communities in Canada.
Police have laid charges against a 27-year-old man after two worshippers were stabbed last month at a Sikh temple on the northeastern outskirts of Edmonton.
The attack on Friday, Aug. 21 happened during early morning prayers at the Nanaksar gurdwara — a large, white, ornate Sikh temple along Manning Drive between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan.
Police responded just after 5 a.m. to the stabbings at the gurdwara near 14 Street and Horsehill Road, where officers arrested a man.
Police said the man had been let out of prison elsewhere in Alberta the day prior.
Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple staff said both victims, men ages 75 and 51, would recover.
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack.
Police said the accused had been in prison for aggravated assault and assault on a peace officer, and has a history of violence .
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