Two people were injured in a stabbing attack at a Sikh temple in Edmonton, Canada, early on Friday morning, according to police. The attack occurred at the sprawling Nanaksar Gurdwara at around 05:00 local time (12:00 BST). Police have arrested a man but have not identified him or specified a motive.
The incident comes after police confirmed last week that they were investigating threatening calls made to two Sikh gurdwaras in Calgary, two hours south of Edmonton. The World Sikh Organization, based in Canada, said the attack is deeply troubling and has occurred against the backdrop of rising anti-Sikh hate across the country.
The Sikh organization described the alleged perpetrator as an "intruder" who entered the Gurdwara and attacked individuals inside. They 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's 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.