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. At approximately 5:05 a.m. police began receiving reports of a stabbing at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in the area of 14 Street and Horsehill Rd.
It was reported to police 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. Witnesses intervened and detained the man until Northeast Branch patrol officers arrived at 5:10 a.m. and immediately took him into custody.
EMS also responded, treated and transported a 75-year-old male and a 51-year-old male to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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.”
Anyone who may have noticed the man on Highway 15 early this morning is encouraged to call EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.