Mohawk College student fatally shot while waiting for bus remembered as ‘so innocent’

An outpouring of grief filled the air Sunday afternoon as family and friends gathered to hold a vigil in honour of a 21-year-old woman – a life taken too soon.

Harsimrat Randhawa was killed by a stray bullet while she was waiting for a bus on Upper James Street Thursday night.

At the corner of Upper James Street and South Bend Road East, a large crowd gathered to remember a member of their family and community.

A police presence was also there to pay their respects, and for safety as the crowd spilled into the street.

“She was so innocent, she was simple,” said Manvir Sandher, one of Randhawa’s family members. “She didn’t have social media, she came here for a better future and this is happening…it’s unacceptable.”

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath brought condolences on behalf of the City.

She says Hamilton police have released no new information on their investigation and will continue to gather evidence.

“There’s a whole community in mourning for a young girl who was training to be a caregiver to take care of other people,” Horwath said.

Sunday’s vigil took place where Randhawa was tragically murdered while waiting for the bus.

On Thursday night, police say an altercation between two vehicles — a black Mercedes SUV and a white sedan — led to at least three shots being fired out of the Mercedes.

One of those shots killed Randhawa.

WATCH MORE: Police say woman, 21, fatally shot on Hamilton Mountain was innocent bystander

“We have very very high hopes for this country,” said Ajay Mahajan, president of the Hindu Samaj Temple. “This is not why the kids come here. As an immigrant we want to come here, we want to live a peaceful life.”

“Violence should not be tolerated, this is not good for our community or family,” said one person at the vigil. “It should be immediately stopped.”

Paul Armstrong, president of Mohawk College, said grief counsellors have been made available to students, and he has been in touch with Randhawa’s family to provide support.

“The entire Mohawk College community is absolutely saddened and devastated and I would say probably at this moment, in a state of disbelief,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong told CHCH News the college will be working with its students association to hold their own vigil this week.

WATCH MORE: Community mourns young woman killed by stray bullet