‘Unsettling:’ Minister says one patient attacked another at Edmonton emergency room

EDMONTON — Alberta’s hospitals minister says a patient seeking care at a major Edmonton emergency room was taken into custody after attacking another patient on Friday.

Matt Jones says in a social media post that Edmonton police and other hospital personnel quickly de-escalated the evening attack at the Royal Alexandra Hospital ER, north of Edmonton’s downtown.

“Their actions helped ensure the safety of those present and provided timely care to the victim,” he said in a post on X.

“We recognize that incidents like this are unsettling. No one, patients, staff, or physicians, should feel unsafe in our hospitals.”

Edmonton police say its patrol officers who were already at the hospital noticed two men fighting on Friday at around 6:15 p.m., and stepped in.

A 42-year-old man had to be treated for serious and life-threatening injuries at the hospital. Police say the other man was found with three edged weapons.

“Thankfully, no hospital visitors, patients or staff were injured during this altercation. Police continue to investigate,” an Edmonton police spokesperson said in a Saturday email.

Police said the man with the weapons is facing charges, including assault with a weapon and two counts of failing to comply with probation.

Sarah Hoffman, the Opposition NDP health critic, said in a post on X that about 50 people, including doctors, nurses and other patients, witnessed the attack and it was terrifying.

She said a patient was stabbed in the attack and the government needs to invest in hospital security and health-care staff.

“To the patients and staff who witnessed this: you deserve better. To the patient who was attacked: you should be safe in our hospitals,” she said in the post.

Jones said his government is working to speed up the implementation of an already-approved security plan for the hospital and the hospital has increased its security personnel.

“(Alberta Health Services) is advancing a weapons screening program for the site,” he said.

“The request for proposals has closed, and we are working to accelerate implementation timelines. This program will add an additional layer of protection for both patients and staff.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2026.

Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press