Gurdwara Stabbing Charges Filed
Edmonton Police Charge Man After Two Worshippers StABBED at Gurdwara
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Police were called to the gurdwara at 4:49 a.m., and officers arrested Sim-Pelletier at 5:10 a.m. after witnesses detained him.
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According to reports, the man entered the gurdwara during morning prayers and was confronted by temple staff before the confrontation escalated into the stabbings.
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The alleged weapon was described as a screwdriver; reports also said Sim-Pelletier had previously been imprisoned for aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer and had a history of violence.
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Police said the charges were not announced immediately because investigators were still completing numerous investigative steps, and there was no public-safety concern because the accused remained in custody on a previous warrant.
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Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart asked the media and public to give the gurdwara community space and privacy, while thanking temple staff for their cooperation during the investigation.
A 27-year-old man has been charged after stabbing two worshippers at an Edmonton Sikh temple on August 21. CTV News reported that Austin Sim-Pelletier faces two counts of assault causing bodily harm, two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and mischief. The victims, ages 75 and 51, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.
Police arrested Sim-Pelletier at 5:10 a.m. after witnesses detained him at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara. CBC News revealed that Sim-Pelletier had been released from a federal institution the day before and failed to report to a halfway house. The Edmonton Police Service hate crimes unit is investigating whether the attack was motivated by hate.
Alleged Attack Unfolds During Morning Prayers
Officers were called to the gurdwara at 4:49 a.m. on August 21. CTV News reported that Sim-Pelletier entered the temple during morning prayers and was confronted by staff. The confrontation escalated into violence, with the man allegedly using a screwdriver as a weapon. Witnesses were able to detain Sim-Pelletier before police arrived.
Suspect Had Prior Violent Offence History
CBC News obtained parole records showing that Sim-Pelletier had previously been imprisoned for aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer. He had a documented history of violence. The records also revealed questions about what occurred after his release from federal custody the day before the stabbing.
Hate Crime Investigation Continues With No Charges Yet
CP24 reported that police said there is "no evidence pointing to hate crime charges at this time." The Edmonton Police Service hate crimes unit continues investigating the motive behind the attack. Sim-Pelletier is scheduled to appear in court on September 18. Police withheld announcing charges earlier while investigators completed several investigative steps.
Community Urged to Give Temple Space to Recover
Staff Sergeant Eric Stewart thanked temple staff for their cooperation during the investigation. He asked the media and public to give the gurdwara community space and privacy as they recover from the incident. CTV News noted that no public-safety concern existed because Sim-Pelletier remained in custody on a previous warrant.
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