Date: April 27, 2026 l By Andrew Baba, Dalena Reporters
A solemn atmosphere filled parts of Hamilton on Monday as family, friends, and members of the wider community gathered for the funeral of 16-year-old Nabil Askafe, who was fatally shot earlier this week at Jackson Square.
The service, held at a mosque on Hamilton Mountain, brought together mourners from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the growing impact of the tragedy beyond the victim’s immediate family. Community supporters, grief counsellors, and religious leaders were present to offer condolences and emotional support during the ceremony.
Askafe, a teenager described by those close to him as quiet and recently adjusting to life in Canada, was killed during a shooting incident at the downtown shopping complex on April 24. The incident sent shockwaves through the city and renewed concerns about youth violence in public spaces.
Police say a confrontation inside the mall escalated into gunfire, leaving the teenager fatally injured. A 14-year-old suspect has since been taken into custody in connection with the incident, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As the funeral proceeded, a trauma counsellor supporting the grieving family highlighted the emotional toll on the Syrian community, which has been closely affected by the loss. She emphasized that the tragedy has become a shared moment of mourning, extending beyond one household to the broader immigrant community in Hamilton.
Community members in attendance described the atmosphere as deeply emotional, with many calling for renewed efforts to address youth safety, conflict prevention, and mental health support in schools and neighbourhoods. Religious leaders also spoke about the importance of unity and compassion in the face of violent loss.
The killing has sparked wider conversations in the city about the safety of young people in public spaces and the need for stronger preventive measures. Local leaders have urged both families and institutions to work together to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
As Hamilton continues to process the incident, the funeral of Nabil Askafe has become a focal point of grief and reflection—marking not only the loss of a young life, but also the urgency of addressing deeper social challenges affecting youth across the city.