On April 19, 2025, the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in South Vancouver was defaced with hateful graffiti, prompting an immediate police investigation and community alarm. The vandalism, involving threatening slogans in Punjabi and English, shocked the Sikh community and raised concerns about hate-motivated acts in the city. Authorities have released images of suspects and a white truck seen at the scene early that morning, seeking public assistance to identify those responsible. Community leaders and law enforcement condemned the attack, emphasizing unity and vigilance amid efforts to address the incident.
Incident Overview
In the early hours of April 19, 2025, the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara, located on Ross Street in South Vancouver, was vandalized with hateful graffiti. The graffiti included slogans written in both Punjabi and English, some of which contained threatening messages. The act has caused significant alarm within the local Sikh community, marking a distressing escalation in hate-related incidents targeting religious sites.
Police Investigation
The Vancouver Police Department quickly initiated an investigation following the report of the vandalism, which occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. On reviewing security camera footage, police identified two individuals arriving at the scene in a white truck between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. Descriptions provided indicate one suspect was wearing a yellow cap and jacket, and the other was dressed in a grey hoodie. Authorities have publicly released these details while urging anyone with information regarding the suspects or the incident to contact them promptly.
Community Reaction
The Khalsa Diwan Society expressed profound shock over the incident, emphasizing that this was the first time the temple has experienced such an act of vandalism since its establishment. Leaders from the temple and the wider Sikh community have suggested that the graffiti might be linked to efforts by Sikh separatist groups aiming to sow division and unrest. Community members, along with law enforcement officials, have jointly condemned the vandalism and reiterated the importance of solidarity and peace within the city.
Request for Witnesses
Police have appealed to residents and potential witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. They are particularly interested in reports of any suspicious activity around the temple’s vicinity during the early morning hours of April 19. Those who observed anything unusual or possess relevant information are encouraged to contact the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-2541.
Summary
- On April 19, 2025, the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in South Vancouver was defaced with hateful graffiti.
- The graffiti contained threatening slogans in Punjabi and English.
- Police released descriptions of two suspects and a white truck seen at the scene.
- The vandalism has caused unprecedented distress within the Sikh community.
- Community leaders and law enforcement have condemned the act and called for unity.
- The public is urged to provide any relevant information to aid the investigation.
Conclusion
The vandalism of the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara on April 19, 2025, represents a serious and troubling incident of hate-motivated crime in South Vancouver. The prompt response from law enforcement and the active involvement of community leaders highlight a collective commitment to addressing the situation with vigilance and unity. As the investigation continues, the cooperation of the public remains vital in identifying those responsible and preventing further acts of intolerance. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to foster respect and peace among diverse communities within the city.