Slain Edmonton Security Guard Harshandeep Singh Had Been on the Job Just 3 Days, Raising Questions About Safety and Training

Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old security guard, was tragically killed while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building just three days into his new job. Singh, who had moved to Canada from Haryana, India, on a student visa, was enrolled at NorQuest College and aspired to build a better future.

The incident occurred early Friday morning when police responded to a report of gunfire in a downtown apartment complex. Singh was found unresponsive at the scene and later died in hospital. Edmonton police have charged Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux, both 30, with first-degree murder in connection with his death.

Singh’s family is grappling with the heartbreaking news. His parents remain in India, while his aunt and uncle, who live in Winnipeg, have traveled to Edmonton to support the investigation and funeral arrangements.

“His father, he’s still not accepting this news,” said Gagandeep Singh Ghuman, a family spokesperson. “They haven’t really shared the news yet with his mother and elder sister. It’s something that puts you in a very confusing state of anger, sadness, and something that cannot be put in words.”

A GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs and transporting Singh’s body to India for his last rites has garnered over $80,000 in donations.

Singh was employed by National Security Guard Protection Services, which expressed its devastation in a statement on Facebook. “We have been working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. Our deepest condolences go out to Harshandeep Singh’s friends and family,” the company stated, while refraining from further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

The tragedy has sparked broader concerns about the safety and training of security guards, particularly newcomers to Canada. Ghuman highlighted the challenges faced by immigrants, saying, “My parents used to tell me, hey, be cautious of this area. If somebody attacks you or if somebody wants your phone, somebody wants your money, just give them everything and walk away and do not argue. But the newcomers to Canada, they don’t have that training, and I don’t know if anything is really provided to them.”

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi offered his condolences, stating, “Acts of violence like this undermine our shared values of compassion and community.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also addressed the tragedy, calling it a “cold-blooded murder” and linking it to a perceived rise in crime across the country. “He was yet another victim of the violent wave of crime that has risen across our country over the last nine years,” Poilievre posted on social media. “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Edmonton police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Singh’s death. A weapon was recovered during the suspects’ arrest, and authorities believe no one else was involved. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday to determine the precise cause of death.

Singh’s death has left a profound impact on Edmonton’s South Asian community and beyond, prompting calls for better training and safety measures for security personnel. As the community mourns his loss, the focus remains on seeking justice and preventing similar tragedies in the future.