Canadian PM Carney condemns Edmonton gurdwara attack that left two injured

Ottawa, Aug 22 (IANS) Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney on Saturday condemned the attack at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton that left two people injured, expressing solidarity with the victims and the Sikh community.

Carney said the incident was “appalling” and that no one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship. He also thanked the Edmonton Police Service for its swift response.

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 strongly condemned the incident, describing the attack at the Sikh temple as “horrific” and calling for the perpetrator to be held fully accountable.

Poilievre said authorities must establish the motives behind the violence and ensure that people in Canada can practise their religion in peace and security. 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 a gurdwara in Canada’s Alberta province after a man allegedly disrupted morning prayers ahead of a wedding ceremony, police and community representatives said.

The attack occurred at the Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple on the northeastern outskirts of Edmonton shortly after 5 a.m.

The Edmonton Police Service said officers responding to the incident near 14 Street and Horsehill Road arrested a man at the scene. Emergency personnel treated two adult men whose injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Police had not announced a motive for the attack or said whether it was being investigated as a hate-motivated crime.

–IANS

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