19-year-old man dead after shooting near Hamilton’s Jackson Square

Police say a 19-year-old Hamilton man has died following a daytime shooting near Jackson Square on Wednesday.

Shots rang out on a busy King Street West shortly after 1 p.m.

Upon arrival, police say they found the victim suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was rushed to hospital where he would ultimately be pronounced deceased.

Hamilton Police are investigating a shooting in the area of King Street West and MacNab Street South. Please avoid the area and use alternative routes. One individual has been transported to hospital with serious injuries. pic.twitter.com/VHrs0knBNb

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) March 6, 2024

Witnesses have reported it as a drive-by shooting, though it has not been confirmed by police. At this time, officers have only confirmed that a vehicle was seen fleeing the area shortly after and that suspect and vehicle descriptions are not available.

With the shooting taking place in front of the Ellen Fairclough office building at 119 King St. West, those inside were put into lockdown.

I am shocked and dismayed to hear about the shooting that occurred this afternoon in the #HamOnt downtown core. My thoughts are with all those who have been impacted.

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) March 6, 2024

Mayor Andrea Horwath released a statement on social media a few hours after the news broke, expressing her shock at the shooting.

A large stretch of King Street West remains closed and people are being asked to avoid the area as investigations continue.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact officers at 905-546-4925.

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