A 16-year-old boy has died following a shooting inside a mobile store at the Jackson Square mall in downtown Hamilton on Friday afternoon. Police are currently searching for two armed suspects who fled the scene on foot.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 5:10 p.m. On Friday, April 24, 2026. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male with gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. His identity has not been released to the public.
Hamilton police Supt. Marty Schulenberg described the event as a “brazen shooting,” noting that the mall was busy at the time of the attack. Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted incident resulting from an altercation between the victim and the suspects.
Suspect Descriptions and Search
Authorities are looking for two white males, aged 19 to 20. One suspect was wearing a blue tracksuit, while the other was wearing a grey tracksuit.
The suspects are believed to be armed. Supt. Schulenberg specified that one of the firearms is described as a “long arm.”
Officers remain engaged in searches of the area to determine if the suspects have left the vicinity.
Community and Political Reaction
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath condemned the “horrifying act of violence,” stating that guns have no place on the streets. She called for urgent and stronger action to remove illegal firearms from communities.
Hamilton Centre MP Aslam Rana described the shooting as “completely unacceptable.” He expressed gratitude for the swift response of the Hamilton Police and urged the public to follow official guidance.
Ongoing Investigation and Closures
The mall was evacuated in an orderly fashion following the shooting. Though, police emphasized that the incident remains highly traumatic for those who witnessed or heard it.
Road closures are currently in effect between King Street, James Street, and MacNab Street. The public is asked to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Police are seeking any information or video footage of the incident. Those with details are asked to contact the lead investigator at 905-546-3865 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Potential Next Steps
Police may rely heavily on surveillance footage from the mall and surrounding businesses to track the suspects’ movement east of 110 King Street West.
Given the Mayor’s public comments, there could be increased political pressure for new measures to combat the presence of illegal firearms in the city.
The investigation is likely to continue until the two suspects are apprehended and the specific nature of the prior altercation is fully determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the suspects wanted in the shooting?
The suspects are two white males, approximately 19 to 20 years old; one is wearing a grey tracksuit and the other a blue tracksuit.
Where exactly did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred inside a mobile store within the Jackson Square mall in downtown Hamilton.
What weapons are the suspects believed to be carrying?
The suspects are believed to be carrying firearms, one of which has been described by police as a “long arm.”
How can cities better balance public access to shopping hubs with the need for increased security against targeted violence?
