UPDATE: Boy, 16, dead after shooting in Jackson Square; suspects at large
Shooting in Hamilton Ontario Today: A devastating shooting occurred Friday afternoon inside a mobile store at Jackson Square in downtown Hamilton, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy. The incident has shocked the community, and police are actively searching for two armed suspects believed to be involved.
Emergency services responded swiftly around 5:10 p.m. after reports of gunfire inside the mall, according to Hamilton police Superintendent Marty Schulenberg. Officers arrived to find the young male with gunshot wounds, and he was rushed to hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead. The victim’s identity has not been publicly released.
Superintendent Schulenberg described the shooting as “brazen,” noting that Jackson Square was crowded at the time. Investigators believe the incident was targeted, stemming from an altercation between the victim and two suspects inside the mobile store shortly before the shooting. The suspects, described as two white males aged 19 to 20, fled on foot through the doors of 110 King Street West, heading east. One was wearing a grey tracksuit, the other a blue tracksuit. Both are believed to be armed, with one carrying a “long arm” firearm.
Police have conducted searches in the area and are urging the public to avoid the vicinity while their investigation continues. Road closures are in effect between King Street, James Street, and MacNab Street.
Hamilton Centre MP Aslam Rana condemned the violence, calling the shooting “completely unacceptable.” The community is left grappling with the tragic loss, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring the suspects to justice.