A serious incident of violence has occurred at a Gurdwara in the German city of Moers, where more than 40 people were involved in a fight, leaving at least 11 injured and prompting a major police operation.

The incident took place on Sunday at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, a place of worship and gathering for Sikhs. In Sikh tradition, a Gurdwara means “gateway to the Guru” and serves as a spiritual and community center.

According to reports, the people involved were armed with pepper spray, knives, kirpans (a traditional Sikh weapon) and, according to some accounts, even firearms. The clash is suspected to have started due to internal disputes over the finances and management of the religious institution, although German authorities have not yet confirmed an official motive. The conflict broke out in the afternoon and escalated rapidly. Witnesses report that a group of attackers initially used pepper spray to disorient those present, before the situation degenerated into the use of knives and other weapons.

The police responded with an increased presence in the area, including special units, to establish control and prevent further escalation of the situation. An eyewitness, 56, told German media that the attack appeared to have been planned in advance: “Just before the prayer, the attackers used pepper spray and then one of them fired a gun. I also saw knives.” Investigations to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident are still ongoing.

A shameful clash broke out in a Gurdwara in Moers city of Germany in the Ruhr industrial heartland. Turbans were tossed and Kirpans were used to attack each other in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib.
Special German riot police-SEK-had to be called in by the local authorities. pic.twitter.com/uKw9CuHeqf

— Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) April 20, 2026