16-year-old boy killed in shooting at Hamilton’s Jackson Square

Police say a 16-year-old boy has been killed following a shooting at Jackson Square in downtown Hamilton Friday afternoon.

Around 5 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at a store inside the shopping centre. As a result, a 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The teen later died of his injuries.

According to police, there was an interaction between two male suspects and the teen prior to the shooting. Due to this, investigators believe this to be a targeted incident.

After the shooting, the two suspects were seen fleeing the area heading eastbound toward James Street.

They are described as white men between the ages of 19 and 20 years old. One was wearing a grey tracksuit, the other wearing a blue tracksuit.

Officers add that both were believed to be carrying firearms. Police describe one of the weapons carried by the suspects as a “long arm.” The public is being advised to not approach the men.

Mayor Andrea Horwath took to X hours after the shooting saying, “Guns have no place on our streets. Period. This was a horrifying act of violence, and it must end.”

It’s devastating to learn of the death of a 16-year-old in today’s senseless shooting at Jackson Square. A young life taken far too soon.

Guns have no place on our streets. Period. This was a horrifying act of violence, and it must end.

We need urgent, stronger action to get…

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) April 25, 2026

The mall and surrounding roads have since reopened following the investigation.

Hamilton police are scheduled to provide an update on the fatal shooting April 25 at 4 p.m.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Hamilton police or visit the command post located outside 110 King St. West.

This investigation is ongoing. More to come.