2 injured in ’violent incident’ at Edmonton Sikh Temple, World Sikh Organization of Canada says

Edmonton police are investigating after a violent incident Friday mornin at the Nanaksar Gurdwara temple in northeast Edmonton. (Sam Brooks/BC)

The World Sikh Organization of Canada said a violent incident at the Nanaksar Gurdwara temple in northeast Edmonton Friday morning left two people injured.

Police are investigating and a man is in custody after a stabbing at the sprawling Sikh temple on the outskirts of the city

In a statement issued shortly after 10:30 a.m. MT Friday, The World Sikh Organization of Canada said an intruder entered the Gurdwara and attacked people inside.

There are also reports that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a Sikh scripture, was attacked and damaged during the incident, according to the statement.

In Friday's statement, World Sikh Organization of Canada Jatinder Singh Sudan said the attack is deeply troubling and has occurred against the backdrop of a documented rise in anti-Sikh hate across Canada.

Police have not commented on a possible motive for Friday's stabbing.

In an advisory issued shortly before 11 a.m., Edmonton police said patrol officers arrived on scene shortly after 5 a.m. and arrested an adult male suspect.

Paramedics responded and treated two adult men on scene for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Few other details have been released. Police are expected to hold a news conference later Friday.

The Gurdwara, which was constructed nearly 30 years ago, has been closed to the public while the police investigation continues.