Overview
- The attack occurred on Aug. 21 when a 27-year-old entered the Nanaksar Gurdwara and stabbed two worshippers with a screwdriver; both victims, aged 75 and 51, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and are recovering.
- Edmonton police say Austin Sim-Pelletier was charged on Sept. 4 with two counts of assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief, and he remains in custody ahead of a Sept. 18 court appearance.
- Police and Correctional Service of Canada officials say Sim-Pelletier had been granted mandatory statutory release the day before the attack and then failed to report to his Edmonton halfway house, triggering a warrant that returned him to custody.
- Investigators, including EPS’s hate-crimes unit, are still probing motive but have said there is currently no evidence to support hate-crime charges as they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
- Temple members subdued the attacker at the scene, community leaders and politicians have condemned the violence, and the case has intensified calls to review how statutory release breaches are enforced and how public safety is monitored on release.