Community gathers at vigil for teen killed in Jackson Square shooting

A sense of sorrow and solidarity filled the steps of Hamilton City Hall Thursday evening as community members gathered for a vigil to honour 16-year-old Nabil Askafe, who was shot and killed at Jackson Square last week.

While Hamilton investigators continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, family and friends focused on finding solace and remembering a young man described as loyal, well-liked and deeply committed to his community.

A family representative noted that at least 200 people attended the teen’s funeral earlier this week, with a similar turnout observed at Thursday’s vigil. Askafe’s parents and brothers were in attendance for a program of prayers and speeches dedicated to his life.

The atmosphere remained sombre, coming less than a week after the teen’s death. According to Hamilton police, the incident began last Friday when the 16-year-old was involved in an altercation with two other teenagers outside the shopping mall.

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

The confrontation moved inside Jackson Square, where shots were fired. Askafe was seen walking toward a storefront before collapsing; he died in hospital shortly after.

Nabil and his family arrived in Canada in 2015, having fled violence in Syria. On Monday, his funeral was held at the Hamilton Mountain Mosque.

At city hall, friends and family members took time to reflect on what Askafe meant to the community.

“I think the message is, we don’t want to see this tragedy happen again to any other young youth or any other child in Hamilton and in Canada, frankly,” said Abrar Mechmechia, spokesperson for the Askafe family. “So what can we do to make sure that safety is reassured for the entire community of Hamilton. I think that’s the message the family has been sharing and we also as organizers are trying to share.”

A spokesperson for the Askafe family stated that a crowd funding page has launched, with proceeds going toward supporting the family during this time.

READ MORE: Hamilton police chief to meet with leaders on downtown safety after fatal shooting