A major police operation was launched in Moers in western Germany on Sunday after violence erupted at a local gurdwara. Reports of gunfire and the presence of weapons prompted a rapid emergency response as a dispute escalated into a large-scale altercation involving dozens of people. Police secured the area and opened an investigation.
At least 11 people were injured and were treated at the scene. One person was detained. Investigators found shell casings suggesting a blank-firing pistol may have been used.
More than 40 individuals were involved in the confrontation, with some reportedly using knives, pepper spray and a firearm. Videos circulated on social media showing a mass brawl and some participants drawing kirpans as the fight turned violent.
A witness said, “some miscreants started attacking us. They were carrying weapons and fired on us,” and added that women and children were inside the gurdwara when the violence broke out.
German broadcaster WDR reported the clash stemmed from a long-running internal administrative dispute within the community. Tensions rose after a recent election in which the previous administration reportedly lost control, and members of the former management allegedly attempted a forced takeover.
Meanwhile, some social media users blamed Khalistanis for the attack. “This violence isn’t random. It’s the direct result of Khalistanis hijacking religious places while pretending to be ‘well-wishers’ of the Sikh community. They turn Gurdwaras into battlegrounds for political agendas, power, and funds, shaming Sikhs worldwide,” one user wrote.
