SIU clears Hamilton police of wrongdoing in death of Erixon Kabera

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared Hamilton police of any wrongdoing in the death of 43-year-old Erixon Kabera, who died following an officer-involved shooting in November 2024.

His family says they are ‘disappointed’ with the findings of the investigation.

Hamilton police say they received the SIU’s final report on Friday. The investigation concludes that the force used by Hamilton police officers was “reasonable under the circumstances.”

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath posted on X just before 3 p.m. to extend her condolences to Kabera’s family, friends and all those impacted by his death.

#HamOnt Earlier today, the SIU concluded its investigation into the tragic death of Erixon Kabera.

As Mayor I again extend my condolences to Erixon’s family, friends, and all those impacted. It has and continues to be a difficult time for many in our community.

Please direct… https://t.co/LwQ9aAA8vY

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) June 6, 2025

The decision comes months after friends, family and community members called for accountability and clarity into the circumstances surrounding Kabera’s death.

In November, details surrounding what happened that night became muddled following conflicting reports from the SIU. In a statement on Friday, the police service says they “recognize the profound impact this incident has had on Erixon’s family, the broader community and our members.”

READ MORE: Chief clarifies details of Saturday’s fatal Hamilton police shooting amid conflicting reports

On Nov. 9, Hamilton police responded to an apartment building 1964 Main St. West following reports from a resident that there was a suspicious person with a gun outside their apartment.

Shortly thereafter, an interaction between Kabera and two Hamilton police officers resulted in a shooting.

According to the SIU report, the two officers observed Kabera moving towards them down the hallway with what appeared to be a handgun. Believing they were in danger, the officers fired multiple shots, which was confirmed by a pathologist to be Kabera’s cause of death.

The investigation later revealed that the apparent ‘handgun’ Erixon was holding was a replica.

Following his death, friends and family described Kabera as a ‘gentle soul’ with a long history of community service and involvement with the Rwandan-Canadian community in Hamilton.

“He was a peaceful man, and he should be honoured, because he was a big contributor to the community, to his family,” Josephine Murphy, a friend of the family said last year.

In a statement released by their lawyer on Friday, Kabera’s family said they are “disappointed with the findings of the investigation” and are reviewing their legal options moving forward.

“Erixon was loved by many and is deeply missed by his family, friends, and his community both in Canada and in Rwanda,” the statement reads.

READ MORE: ‘A gentle soul’: family friend speaks out after Hamilton police shooting kills man