On March 14, 2026, a tragic shooting occurred on Highway 2 near Leduc, Alberta, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Birinder Singh, an international student from India. Singh was driving a black 2012 Honda Civic when a grey Ford F-150 pickup truck pulled alongside his vehicle and discharged a firearm, striking him. Despite the immediate response, Singh died at the scene.
In the aftermath of this incident, Jimmy Gassner, an 18-year-old from Lloydminster, was arrested on March 21, 2026, in Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan. He has since been charged with second-degree murder. The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the case, and the investigation remains ongoing following Gassner’s arrest.
Witnesses reported that Singh had two friends in the car with him at the time of the shooting. One friend recounted the harrowing moment, stating, “They put his driver’s side window down, and the person who is sitting on the passenger, he took his gun and he gave us a shot.” This chilling account highlights the suddenness and violence of the attack.
As the community grapples with this shocking event, the World Sikh Organization of Canada has urged authorities to consider discrimination as a possible motive for the shooting. Calls have been made to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime, reflecting the concerns of many in the community.
Staff Sgt. John Brown acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating, “Despite the laying of these charges, we know that there will be many questions regarding suspects and motivations.” Cpl. Troy Savinkoff added, “The motive remains unclear. We’re hoping to provide that to the public soon.” These statements underline the uncertainty surrounding the case.
Singh had been in Canada for three years, and his friends have expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the community during this difficult time. One friend remarked, “I’m really thankful that the majority of the community is standing with us during these difficult times.” This sentiment reflects the solidarity among those affected by the tragedy.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the investigation’s findings and whether the shooting will be classified as a hate crime. As the RCMP continues its work, the community awaits further updates on this distressing situation.
