Attack follows probe of threatening calls to Calgary gurdwaras
A man has been arrested after two people were injured in an early morning stabbing inside the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada, according to police. Officials said the attack inside the sprawling Nanaksar Gurdwara unfolded around 05:00 local time (12:00 BST) on Friday morning.
Police did not publicly identify the suspect or specify a motive as of Friday.
The stabbing came after police confirmed last week that they were investigating threatening calls made to two Sikh gurdwaras in Calgary, roughly two hours south of where the Edmonton attack took place.
The World Sikh Organization, based in Canada, said the attack was “deeply troubling” and had occurred against the backdrop of rising anti-Sikh hate across the country.
The organization described the alleged perpetrator as an “intruder” who entered the gurdwara and attacked individuals inside. The group added that a copy of the Sikh scripture inside the temple was also reportedly desecrated.
“Police are currently on scene and the Gurdwara has been closed to the public while the investigation continues,” the World Sikh Organization said in its statement.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas condemned the threats made in his city in a social media post, calling them “utterly disgusting.” “Gurdwaras are places of hospitality, generosity and service. Everyone is welcome,” Farkas said.