Ottawa remains in partial lockdown as police scour the streets for perpetrators of multiple shootings across the Canadian capital. A soldier and one gunman have been killed, and two victims are in hospital with gunshot wounds.
23 October 2014
In an address to the nation following the shooting, Canadian PM Stephen Harper extended his condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Nathan Cirillo who was “murdered in cold blood, as he provided a ceremonial honor guard at Canada's National War Memorial,” as well as to Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent who was killed earlier this week by “an ISIL-inspired terrorist.” Harper reminded the country that such incidences “are a grim reminder that Canada is not immune to the types of terrorist attacks we have seen elsewhere around the world.”
As of now, Parliament scheduled to resume as normal with (very) routine votes at 10 a.m. Tomorrow, per sources.
— Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) October 23, 2014
Much different scene here now. pic.twitter.com/kUbWNd7F2m
— Katie Simpson (@KatieSimpson24) October 23, 2014
Ottawa police have lifted the safety lockdown in the downtown, but the area in the immediate vicinity of the Parliament building remains off limits.
“The ongoing police investigation in the downtown core has determined that there no longer exists a threat to public safety in the area,” the police said in a statement. “However, the police operation continues on Parliament Hill and as such the Hill continues to be off limits to the public.”
Addressing the nation from an undisclosed location, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the country will never be intimidated by something like the two outrageous attacks that killed two soldiers this week.
“We will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated,” Harper said, adding that quite the opposite this will “lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts – and those of our national security agencies – to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats and keep Canada safe here at home.”
Canada is one of our closest friends, allies and partners in the world. We stand in solidarity with our neighbor to the north.
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) October 23, 2014
22 October 2014
Bus full of people, just left perimeter. Empty buses about to go in, get more people. Presumably those in lockdown pic.twitter.com/z3EJsNuAMW
— Katie Simpson (@KatieSimpson24) October 22, 2014
CBC Ottawa has published a photo of the gunman in Ottawa shooting identified as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau. Globe and Mail reports that the suspect was designated a high-risk traveller, and his passport had been seized.
BREAKING | This is a photo of Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, gunman in this morning's shootings in Ottawa. #cbcOTT#OTTnewspic.twitter.com/OLSxlYPelj
— CBC Ottawa (@CBCOttawa) October 22, 2014
We can confirm that all three patients involved in today’s incident have been discharged. We wish them a speedy recovery.
— The Ottawa Hospital (@OttawaHospital) October 22, 2014
Police have reduced in size the safety perimeter in Downtown Ottawa, as the investigation continues following two shooting incidents.
Safety perimeter: Lyon to Elgin St, Albert to Wellington St, and East of Canal Rideau. Mackenzie Ave is also closed. pic.twitter.com/mqDzD2JmDK
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) October 22, 2014
“If you are within the safety perimeter, please stay inside your building until further notice,” police said in a statement. “If you are in the downtown area but outside the perimeter, you can exit your building but please stay off the streets in the safety perimeter until further notice.”
Canadian police are investigating Michael Zehaf-Bibeau as possible suspect in Ottawa shooting, Reuters reports citing a source familiar with matter.
Soldier killed at war memorial identified as Cpl. Nathan Cirillo #ottawashootinghttp://t.co/jlUKClnuNipic.twitter.com/GpU2jH26YP
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) October 22, 2014
Police allowing people to leave downtown core #OttawaShootingpic.twitter.com/M37kEi86bI
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) October 22, 2014
US President Barack Obama has called the shooting in Canada “tragic", adding that the incident reinforced the need for vigilance and better sync between Canada and the US when it comes to dealing with terrorist activity. Obama added he did not yet have information on the motivation of the shooter or whether he was part of a broader network, Reuters reports.
Our condolences to the people of #Canada. We stand ready to assist our partners as they deal with the ongoing situation in their capital.
— FBI (@FBI) October 22, 2014
Ottawa Hospital has clarified that three people are being treated in connection with the shootings. A statement, reported by Reuters, has said that one received a "minor" gunshot wound, while the other two did not. All three are in stable condition.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has requested that citizens upload all potentially helpful footage taken from the center of Ottawa this morning onto a special website.
US State Department says that its employees have been "restricted" in their movement around the Canadian capital.
US has increased security around its own main memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.
The Canadian embassy in Washington is closed for security reasons.
At a press conference given by local officials, including the Mayor of Ottowa and Ottawa Police Chief, very few new details emerged on account of the need to preserve confidentiality while they are "still investigating the active operation."
"Today is a sad and tragic day for our city," stated Mayor Jim Watson.
Here is the dramatic footage of the apparent exchange of fire just inside the parliament building in Ottawa, following the fatal shooting at the War Memorial.
Barack Obama has been in touch with Stephen Harper, and has condemned the attacks as outrageous.
National broadcaster CBC is reporting that lockdowns are being lifted in the city one-by-one, with evacuees pouring out onto the streets.
The NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs has been postponed.
While others are being told to stay inside, some are being evacuated from the danger zone.
Emergency responders escort VIPs out of a building near Parliament Hill following Ottawa shooting (Photo: Barcroft) pic.twitter.com/wE4GXSqr7d
— New York Post (@nypost) October 22, 2014
Several ambulances/paramedics have pulled up around the corner on standby #cdnpolipic.twitter.com/CA2PtIZT01
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) October 22, 2014
The soldier who was wounded by the gunman has died, though police have refused to release his name, until his immediate relatives have been notified.
"Condolences to family of the soldier killed, & prayers for the Parliamentary guard wounded. Canada will not be terrorized or intimidated," said Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, on his Twitter account.
Two more shooting remain in hospital, in stable condition.
One Parliamentary guard was shot in the leg and is OK in hospital, House of Commons security officer tells us. Another was shot in pantleg.
— Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) October 22, 2014
All bus service in downtown Ottawa is currently under major detours. Details: http://t.co/hcXDtQ7uLK
— OC Transpo (@OC_Transpo) October 22, 2014
All Ottawa Police stations are closed to public due to shooting at War Memorial. No public services available until further notice #ottnews
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) October 22, 2014
The Prime Minister was inside the parliament building, making a speech, when the soldier was shot dead outside.
"PM (Harper) was addressing caucus, then a huge boom, followed by rat-a-tat shots. We all scattered. It was clearly right outside our caucus door," said Tony Clement.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been whisked away to safety, according to his spokesperson.
More than 30 shots are fired, as MPs flee the parliament building, according to Tony Clement, himself a deputy.
RCMP yelling everyone to back away from Parliament Hill. Weapons out. Word of shooting inside. #cdnpolipic.twitter.com/aiXtvjlLP6
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) October 22, 2014
Ottawa Police say that they received the first calls 911 at 9:51 a.m, when the gunman attacked the soldier stationed outside parliament.
Shooting at the war memorial in Ottawa. pic.twitter.com/1Z0p4Mj5Vw
— John Ivison (@IvisonJ) October 22, 2014