On the evening of April 17, 2025, Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old international student at Mohawk College, was fatally shot while waiting at a bus stop near Upper James Street and South Bend Road in Hamilton, Ontario. The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. during an exchange of gunfire between occupants of two vehicles, a black Mercedes SUV and a white Hyundai Elantra. Randhawa, an innocent bystander with no involvement in the dispute, was struck by a stray bullet and later died in hospital. Police have launched an ongoing investigation, recovered the involved vehicles, and are appealing for public assistance to identify those responsible.
The tragic incident unfolded when two vehicles, identified as a black Mercedes SUV and a white Hyundai Elantra, became involved in a gunfire exchange at the bus stop. The confrontation started shortly before 7:30 p.m., creating a hazardous environment for bystanders. Harsimrat Randhawa, who was waiting for public transportation, was unintentionally caught in the crossfire. Despite immediate medical attention, Randhawa succumbed to the injuries sustained from a stray bullet.
Investigation and Police Response
Hamilton Police Service promptly responded to the shooting with a significant presence in the area. Officers secured the scene and launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the violent exchange. Both the black Mercedes SUV and white Hyundai Elantra have been recovered by authorities for forensic examination and evidence collection.
Police are actively seeking witnesses or anyone with information related to the vehicles or the shooting incident. Public appeals have been made to assist in identifying and locating those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
Community Impact and Reaction
The fatal shooting has deeply affected the community, particularly fellow students and faculty members at Mohawk College. Many have expressed grief and called for increased safety measures around public transit locations. Community leaders emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to prevent similar tragedies and enhance public security.
Next Steps
- Continued police investigation with forensic analysis of the recovered vehicles
- Interviews with potential witnesses and review of surveillance footage in the vicinity
- Public outreach campaigns to encourage reporting of any related information
- Review of transit safety protocols by local authorities and Mohawk College officials
The Hamilton Police Service has assured the public of their commitment to holding those responsible accountable and restoring safety to the community. Individuals with any relevant information are urged to contact the Hamilton Police Service as the investigation progresses.
The fatal shooting of Harsimrat Randhawa has marked a somber moment for the Hamilton community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced public safety measures, especially around transit areas. With the Hamilton Police Service actively pursuing leads through forensic analysis, witness interviews, and public cooperation, there is a focused effort to bring justice and prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaborative commitment of law enforcement, local authorities, and community members remains essential in addressing the root causes of such violence and ensuring a safer environment for all residents and students in the area.