22 August,2026 11:09 AM IST | Ottawa | mid-day online correspondent
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Pic/AFP
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday condemned an attack at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton that left two people injured, expressing solidarity with the victims and the Sikh community.
Carney described the incident as "appalling" and said people should never feel unsafe while visiting a place of worship. He also thanked the Edmonton Police Service for its response to the incident.
In a post on X, Carney said: "The attack at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton this morning is appalling. My thoughts are with the two people who were injured and the wider community that is shaken by this terrible event. No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship. I want to thank the Edmonton Police Service for their swift response."
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the incident, describing the attack at the Sikh temple as "horrific" and calling for the perpetrator to be held accountable.
Poilievre said authorities should establish the motive behind the violence and ensure that people across Canada can practise their religion safely.
He also expressed support for Edmonton's Sikh community and wished the injured victims a swift recovery.
Poilievre posted on X: "The violent attack that occurred at the Sikh temple in Edmonton, which left two people injured, is horrific and deserves our strongest condemnation. All people in Canada must be able to practice their religion in peace and security. The perpetrator of this attack must be held fully accountable for their actions before the justice system, and the authorities must shed full light on the motives behind this violence. We wish a complete and swift recovery to the victims and are wholeheartedly with Edmonton's Sikh community during these difficult times."
Two men were stabbed inside the gurdwara in Alberta after a man allegedly disrupted morning prayers ahead of a wedding ceremony, according to police and community representatives.
The incident took place at the Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple on the northeastern outskirts of Edmonton shortly after 5 am.
The Edmonton Police Service said officers responded to the incident near 14 Street and Horsehill Road and arrested a man at the scene.
Emergency personnel treated two adult men for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Police have not announced a motive for the attack or said whether the incident is being investigated as a hate-motivated crime.
The investigation is continuing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attack has drawn condemnation from Canada's political leadership, with both the prime minister and opposition leader expressing support for the victims and Edmonton's Sikh community.
Authorities are expected to examine the events leading up to the stabbing as part of the investigation and determine whether any further action is required.
(With inputs from IANS)
