Witnesses told CBC News there were more shots fired on Parliament Hill nearby. It is unclear if both of these shootings are related.
Today’s shooting comes just 24 hours after another tragic attack against soldiers in Quebec, when a soldier was ran down and killed by an assailant in a car.
On Wednesday, the gunman ran towards Parliament Hill, which is currently under lockdown, as Toronto Star writes.
One of the shooters has been reportedly shot dead near or inside one of the Parliament buildings. Digital Journal learned there may be several shooters involved in today’s incident.
House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers was praised by members of Parliament Wednesday for his “selfless act” after he reportedly shot an assailant who killed a Canadian Forces member in Ottawa, as CBC News reports.
A shotgun-like weapon was reportedly used to shoot the guard near the War Memorial, according to CBC TV. The soldier died while in hospital, CBC’s Peter Mansbridge reported.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper “is safe and has left Parliament Hill,” Jason MacDonald, his director of communications, said, as the Globe notes.
Parliament Hill reportedly faced a barrage of gunfire (the Hill is close to the War Memorial), and there was an unconfirmed report of a person injured outside the Library of Parliament, CBC News writes.
According to a witness, the shooter had black hair, was wearing a grey jacket and a scarf, as Global News reports.
CBC TV’s Evan Solomon said a Toyota Corolla with no license plates has been seized from its parked position outside the War Memorial site.
Digital Journal has also learned hallways of the House of Commons were filled with the smell of gunpowder, according to the New York Times.
All Canadian Armed Forces bases have been closed to the public today.
Today’s shooting follows yesterday’s tragedy in Quebec, where two Canadian soldiers were ran down by an assailant, and one died from his injuries. The attacker Martin Couture-Rouleau, 25, was described as a Muslim convert and was killed by officers at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu after hitting the two men.