Ottawa police ease city lockdown after gunfight kills parliament shooter

Asked if the incident took everyone by surprise, RCMP assistant commander Gilles Michaud says “it’s too early” to analyze the police response.

A reporter asks whether there still suspects at large. “You said there are more than one suspect earlier…”

Chief Bordeleau responds: “We’re still investigation with the RCMP in securing Parliament Hill.”

“We’re askign the community to continue to be aware, to be vigilant, and to report any activity that they deem suspicious … or with any information that can assist the investigaiont. we’re asking the community to remain vigilant.”

Reporter: “Are there still more suspects?”

“We’re still in the process of active operation right now, we’re treating this very seriously with the RCMP in clearing Parliament Hill.”

Major General Christopher Coates of the Canadian military, gives a statement, saying that the soldier was “shot by an unknown person” and his identity has not been released to respect his family’s privacy.

He says military personnel are being told to stay inside and that security has been heightened at bases around the country. “Until time situation is considered under control military have been told to remain in their buildings until further notice.” (On Monday near Montreal, a man attacked two soldiers with his car, killing one.)

Mayor Jim Watson also gives a brief statement, saying “We all want answers” and “Today is a sad and tragic day for our city and our country.”

The commanding officer of the RCMP division in Ottawa delivers a brief statement next:

This is a dynamic and unfolding situation. I understand that people have many questions and we are committed to providing answers as soon as we are able. The RCMP will lead the investigation on the Hill, Ottawa police [off of it].

All available and necessary resources were … deployed immediately when they became aware of the incident.

We trained our own members, and we trained other police agencies … we conduct scenario-based trainings to include … what we’ve seen in Ottawa today.

He also asks that the public report to the authorities anything they find suspicious.

The Ottawa police and RCMP are holding a joint press conference, which the police chief of the former begins:

At 9.52am this morning received multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting at the National War Memorial. The victim of the shooting is a member of the Canadian armed forces. His injuries were fatal. Our thoughts are with his loved ones

Following another incident on Parliament Hill, a male suspect is now deceased. Together with the RCMP, all available resources have been deployed to this ongoing police operation. Additional resources are on standby should they be required.

All measures have ben taken to secure the safety of our residents. … As I said this is an ongoing operation. we’re asking members of the public to stay away from the downtown quarter, and … the Ottawa police service is looking for witnesses to come forward.

The Ottawa police say no one is in custody and backtrack earlier statements, according to a joint release with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The statement reads in part:

The Ottawa Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to reports of shooting incidents this morning in the downtown area. Police can now confirm that incidents occurred at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill.

One shooting victim succumbed to injuries. He was a member of the Canadian Forces. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones.

Next of kin notification is underway and as such, the victim’s identification will not be released.

This is an ongoing joint police operation and there is no one in custody at this time.

Ottawa residents are asked to stay away from the downtown area while the investigation continues. If you work in one of the downtown buildings, follow the instructions from the building management you are in.

The police also ask that witnesses and anyone with tips regarding the shooting incidents call them at 613-236-1222, ext 5493, or anonymously at 613-233-8477.

Ottawa police confirm the soldier first shot on Parliament Hill has died.

The police also confirm again that a male suspect is dead – and backtrack their statements about the Rideau Centre.

Lockdown is in effect in a radius about three to five miles around Parliament Hill, sending away traffic, closing schools and keeping people in place or evacuating them out of the search zone.

Reporting with sources inside from the World Exchange food court a few blocks away, Halifax Chronicle Herald’s Paul McLeod says it’s not calm everywhere:

The Ottawa Citizen has a helpful list of what’s closed in the wake of the shootings.

US homeland security secretary Lisa Monaco briefed President Obama today on the Ottawa shooting, White House press secretary Josh Earnest tells reporters.

“The details about the nature of this event are still sketchy, which is not unusual in a chaotic situation, like this one. Canada is one of the closest friends and allies of the United States.”

“Officials inside the US government have been in touch with their canadian government to offer their assistance, and that includes in the White House.”

He said the White House does not officially see the shooting as an act of terrorism, and is waiting to see what evidence emerges about the attack.

Meanwhile, Jason Macdonald, communications director for Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper has released a statement:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were attacked. The prime minister is safe and not on Parliament Hill and being briefed by security officials.

The police continue to do their important work and we are still gathering the facts. The prime minister will make a statement later today.

A member of Canada’s conservative party has said that the soldier at Civic Hospital has died, which CTV and the Globe and Mail say they have confirmed.