Tim Hortons is facing a dual narrative as it celebrates the Artemis II mission to the Moon with limited-edition Moonbits boxes in London, Ontario. This event marks a significant milestone in space exploration, with the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years. However, the joy of this celebration is marred by the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a refugee whose life ended in a shocking incident involving U.S. Border Patrol.
Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar, was found dead on February 24, 2026, just five days after being dropped off outside a closed Tim Hortons in Buffalo, New York. He had sought safety in the U.S. after arriving as a refugee in 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions about the actions of the U.S. Border Patrol, which left him vulnerable on the street.
Hope Bagozzi, a representative from Tim Hortons, expressed excitement about the connection to the Artemis II mission, stating, “We’re excited to be celebrating this historic occasion with guests in London and the thrilling Canadian connection to this mission that we can all be so proud of.” Yet, this enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the outcry over Shah Alam’s death.
Mark Poloncarz, the Erie County Executive, stated, “This should not have happened,” emphasizing the need for accountability. Activists and community leaders, including Murad Awawdeh, have called for those responsible for Shah Alam’s treatment to be held accountable. Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, condemned the actions of the Border Patrol, highlighting the “cruelty and inhumanity” of leaving a vulnerable individual outside a closed restaurant.
Tim Hortons, which has nearly 4,000 restaurants across Canada and a total of 6,000 worldwide, has been a staple in Canadian culture since its first location opened in Hamilton in 1964. The brand is synonymous with coffee and community, making the juxtaposition of this celebration and tragedy all the more poignant.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact circumstances leading to Shah Alam’s death, including the timeline of events after he was dropped off. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Shah Alam and accountability for those involved.