Sikh gurdwara stabbing in Canada: 27-year-old arrested after two injured

Police did not identify the 27-year-old person arrested following the attack.

"On Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 4:49 a.m. EPS received reports of a male walking in traffic on Highway 15 near Horsehill Rd," Edmonton Police Service said in a statement.

Police said at approximately 5:05 a.m. police began receiving reports of a stabbing at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara.

Police said that a male entered the Gurdwara and attempted to access the prayer area when he was confronted by staff.

"The confrontation then escalated and two male patrons of the Gurdwara were stabbed," police said.

"Witnesses intervened and detained the man until Northeast Branch patrol officers arrived at 5:10 a.m. and immediately took him into custody," police said.

The EPS Investigative Response Team (IRT) has since assumed the investigation and is working closely with the EPS Hate Crimes Unit to determine if this incident was hate-motivated.

Charges are pending against the 27-year-old man.

“We are thankful that this morning’s event did not result in more significant injuries or deaths but also recognize that the trauma experienced by the victims and their community cannot be understated,” says EPS Chief Warren Driechel. “This level of violence has no place in our city, and we want to ensure the Sikh community and all Edmontonians that we are taking this incident and their safety, seriously.”