Special posting

At 9:52 am Wednesday morning a member of the Canadian Armed Forces from the Argyll and Sutherland 91st Canadian Highlanders reserve unit in Hamilton, was shot while on ceremonial guard duty at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Almost immediately afterward, an armed assailant entered the Center Block of the Parliament Buildings where they shot and wounded a security official before making their way down the main hallway.

After a short exchange of gunfire, the gunman was fatally shot by Sergeant at Arms Kevin Vickers, who was assisted by Parliament Security Staff on site.

All of this took place in the Hall of Honor right outside the meeting rooms where the Conservative and NDP Members of Parliament were holding their weekly caucus meetings.

“Today’s events in Ottawa have brought an unfortunate realization that the threat of radicalization is real, personal and on Canadian soil,” said Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West-Glanbrook and Chair of the Standing committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

“Our caucus meeting this morning was abruptly interrupted by the sounds of gunfire in the hallway outside our meeting room,” said Allison.

“It was quite surreal to be having a meeting and then suddenly, the Prime Minister is hurried away to safety because of the attack.

The parliament buildings were immediately put into lockdown while the authorities took control of the situation.”

Thanks to the quick actions of the House of Commons Sergeant at Arms, Kevin Vickers and security staff on-site, the gunman was stopped before a much greater tragedy occurred,” said Allison.

“There is no doubt that the events of this day will change our country, but as Canadians, we will remain strong and continue to be a part of the best country in the world.”

This attack in Ottawa follows an earlier attack in Quebec where another member of the Canadian military was attacked and killed.