A recently released violent offender has been charged after two men were stabbed inside an Edmonton Sikh gurdwara just one day after the accused left prison.

Edmonton police charged Austin Sim-Pelletier, 27, with two counts of assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief on September 4.

The attack occurred during morning prayers at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in northeast Edmonton on August 21.

Police allege Sim-Pelletier entered the gurdwara and attempted to access its prayer area shortly after 5 a.m. When staff confronted him, the encounter escalated and two worshippers, aged 75 and 51, were stabbed.

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Witnesses intervened and detained the suspect until Edmonton police arrived. Both victims were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Sim-Pelletier had reportedly been released from a federal institution the previous day after serving roughly 20 months for aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer. Court records show he received a 28-month sentence for aggravated assault in December 2024, followed days later by a six-month sentence in a separate case.

Police said Sim-Pelletier failed to report to his designated Edmonton halfway house following his release. A warrant had already been issued by the time he was arrested at the gurdwara.

The Edmonton Police Service Investigative Response Team and Hate Crimes Unit continue to investigate whether hate-related provisions should be applied.

“This investigation is complex and involves numerous investigative steps that we are still diligently working to complete,” Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart said.

Police have not announced any hate-related charges, and none of the allegations against Sim-Pelletier has been proven in court.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 18.