Grief, sympathy pour in for international college student shot dead by stray bullet in Hamilton
Harsimrat Randhawa is shown in this undated police handout photo. Police in Hamilton say Randhawa, a 21-year-old college student from India, was an innocent bystander in an alleged homicide that saw her shot while standing at a city bus stop.HO/The Canadian Press
Expressions of grief and sympathy came pouring in on Saturday for an international college student shot dead by mistake in Hamilton while waiting for a city bus.
The death of 21-year-old Harsimrat Randhawa, who Hamilton police described as an innocent bystander killed by stray gunfire as occupants of one car shot at another, triggered expressions of grief from officials with the college where she studied, the Canadian city where she lived and the country she first called home.
Hamilton mayor Andrea Howarth said she was “heartbroken” by news of Randhawa’s death and the circumstances behind it.
“This senseless act of violence is devastating for our entire community,” she said in a news release.
“On behalf of my council colleagues and the residents of Hamilton, I extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Hamilton Police Service said officers rushed to the scene of a shooting in the area of Upper James Street and South Bend Road around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday to find Randhawa suffering a gunshot wound to her chest. She was rushed to hospital but declared dead later that night.
Police allege the bullet that killed Randhawa was fired from a black Mercedes SUV at a white sedan, both of which fled the area.
Gunfire also punched through the rear window of a nearby home where the occupants were watching television metres away, but police said no one inside was injured.
Randhawa, originally from India’s Punjab province, was a student at Mohawk College at the time of her death. Police said she was waiting to catch the bus to work when the shots were fired.
Mohawk College president Paul Armstrong said the school is mourning the death of one of their own.
“An extremely tragic and absolutely unnecessary loss of a young life full of promise,” Armstrong said in a tweet about the student. “My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and all that knew her.”
The Indian consulate in Toronto said staff were “deeply saddened” by the news, offering support and prayers to the family.
“We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance,” the consulate said in a tweet.
The homicide investigation continues, and police are asking anyone with information to share to contact them.