In a tragic incident that has left the Hamilton community in shock, a 21-year-old woman was fatally shot while waiting for a bus on Upper James Street. Harsimrat Randhawa, an international student from India studying physiotherapy at Mohawk College, was struck by a stray bullet during a confrontation between two vehicles on the evening of April 17, 2025.
Police reported that the shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. when the passenger of a black Mercedes SUV fired multiple shots at the occupants of a white sedan. Randhawa was standing at a bus stop on the southeast corner of Upper James and South Bend Road, on her way to work at a nearby McDonald's, when she was hit in the chest by one of the bullets.
Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, and Randhawa was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Her death has been described as a heartbreaking loss by both the police and the Mohawk College community, who expressed their condolences in statements released following the incident.
At a press conference held the following day, Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen addressed the media, stating, "This is a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her and tragically lost her life because some thugs picked up a gun." He emphasized that Randhawa's family sent her to Hamilton to prepare for her future, and now there is an empty seat at their dinner table.
Investigators have determined that two vehicles were involved in the shooting: the black Mercedes SUV, which fled westbound on South Bend Road, and the white sedan, which fled northbound on Upper James Street. The police are currently seeking information and video footage from the public, particularly from anyone who may have dashcam recordings between 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on the evening of the shooting.
During the press conference, Acting Detective Sergeant Daryl Reid provided further details about the incident, noting that bullets from the shooting also penetrated the back window of a nearby home on Allenby Avenue, where residents were watching television just a few feet away. Fortunately, no one inside the home was injured, but Reid remarked on how close the situation came to causing even more tragedy. "If that bullet had been one or two feet to the right, it would have been potentially a different story," he said.
Chief Bergen reiterated the community's responsibility to address gun violence, stating, "It’s extremely unsettling for a community to have people who feel that they can just carelessly, recklessly pick up a gun and then start shooting. This is not acceptable. We need to do better." His comments reflect a growing concern about gun violence in Hamilton, as residents express fears for their safety in light of such incidents.
Mohawk College released a statement expressing deep sadness over Randhawa's death and extending condolences to her family and friends. "As a member of the Mohawk College community, we know this loss is being felt by many, and we will do everything we can to support Harsimrat’s friends, family, and the broader college community," said Sean Coffey, a spokesperson for the college.
The police have encouraged anyone with information about the shooting or those who may have witnessed the events to come forward. They can contact Sergeant Alex Buck at 905-546-4123 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
As the investigation continues, the Hamilton community is grappling with the implications of this tragic event. Residents are calling for action to combat gun violence and ensure that such a senseless loss of life does not happen again. The impact of Randhawa's death is being felt far beyond the immediate community, as it highlights the urgent need for dialogue and solutions regarding gun-related incidents in urban areas.
Randhawa's family, who are currently in India, are being supported by extended family members in the Greater Toronto Area as they navigate this devastating loss. The police have been in contact with them to facilitate communication during this difficult time.
In the wake of this tragedy, community leaders and residents alike are reflecting on the importance of safety and the need for collective action to prevent future incidents of gun violence. As Chief Bergen stated, "This is a complex issue and will take all of us to put a stop to it. I’m appealing to anyone with information to come forward and to do the right thing." The Hamilton community stands united in mourning Harsimrat Randhawa, a promising young woman whose life was cut tragically short.
