The situation in the nation’s capital is easing after a big chunk of the city was under lockdown following multiple shootings. A reserve soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa was shot point blank by a gunman late this morning – police confirm the soldier had passed away. Moments later shots rang out in the halls of the Parliament Building where a gunman was killed in a hail of bullets. Toronto Liberal MP John McKay says he saw the shooter walk through the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill with rifle. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and leaders of the opposition parties were whisked to safety while a number of government buildings remain locked down. A suspected shooter has been killed, but police would not confirm if they are searching for a second shooter. The incidents began to unfold around 11:00am – our time. Social media buzzed throughout the day with news of the shootings.
Here a few examples on Twitter:
Olympian Health Moyse: “I feel sick to my stomach thinking of the senseless inhumanity that is going on in #Ottawa right now! #StrongAndFree #ProudCanadian #Peace“
South Shore-St. Margaret’s MP – Gerald Keddy: @GeraldKeddy “I am safe. On lockdown. Thoughts and prayers to all of my colleagues and staff on Parliament Hill.”
Sydney-Victoria MP – Mark Eyking: @MarkEyking_MP “Thanks for the concern folks. We are safe currently under lockdown on Parliament Hill.”
Professional Curler – Team Rachel Homan: @TeamHoman “Thank you to Ottawa Police, RCMP and all officers and soldiers and those in uniform who risk their lives to keep us all safe. #Ottawa”
Sports Reporter Pierre LeBrun: @Real_ESPNLeBrun “To the folks attending Saturday’s NHL game in Ottawa: you’re belting out O Canada for a whole nation. Let her rip.”
