Parliament Hill shooting: One gunman dead, hunt for suspects continues
The Canadian Press/The Canadian Press - A police officer secures the scene of a shooting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday Oct.22, 2014. A Canadian soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial
Chaos has broken out in downtown Ottawa and a Canadian soldier wounded following a series of shootings on and around Parliament Hill.
The mayhem started when a uniformed soldier standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was shot and wounded by an assailant who is believed to have hopped out of a Toyota Corolla. CPR was performed on the soldier and he has been transported to hospital by ambulance. CBC reports that the soldier is a reservist who is serving in Hamilton from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
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Gunfire later broke out inside Parliament Hill's Centre Block, where one gunman was confirmed killed, reportedly by House of Commons Sgt.-at-Arms Kevin Vickers. However, police say there are "numerous" shooters involved. A reporter with the Globe and Mail captured the moment in this gripping video:
The shooting then continued near Rideau Centre Mall, a shopping centre near Parliament Hill. It is in "full lock down until further notice," and several embassies and legislative buildings around the country have also boosted security.
CBC reports that all military bases in Canada are currently on heightened security, in the interest of the safety of the men and women working at them. Buildings throughout Ottawa's downtown core are also under lockdown.
Reuters is reporting that an Ottawa hospital is treating three patients, two in stable condition. Their identities are not yet known.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is safe and off Parliament Hill. He has cancelled a planned Toronto meeting with Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, who was to be named an honourary Canadian citizen. Harper will make a statement on the attack later today.
The situation is still developing. Updates will follow.
More photos from Parliament Hill:
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