Bridges are now closed down between Ottawa and Gatineau. No traffic is being allowed to cross between the provinces. The Canadian Forces Base in Ottawa, just south of the Rideau Centre, is in lockdown. All Canadian Forces bases across the entire country are closed to the public. A large police perimeter is surrounding at least three blocks in the area of Parliament Hill. There is still heavy police presence moving through Ottawa’s downtown core. Police are trying to systematically clear and secure areas. One shooter is confirmed dead. There are reports of a possible another two shooters still on the loose.
Many of the stores inside the Rideau Centre are in lockdown. Few people have been pulled from the shopping centre. There’s word that police are running through the halls at the Rideau Centre and people are locked away within the stores. There is no confirmed update on the Canadian soldier’s condition. The soldier was shot at the National War Memorial and is now reportedly in one of Ottawa’s major hospitals. This Prime Minister is now cancelling events planned with the Nobel Peace Prize Winner later today in Toronto.
Ottawa Civic Hospital is now confirming two victims are at the hospital. One is confirmed shot. Both victims have non-life-threatening injuries. There is no word on the identity of the victims or if one of them is the Canadian soldier who was shot at the National War Memorial. There is now confirmation the shooting was near the Rideau Centre and not inside. Many of the stores are in lock-down and there is police presence in the halls. NORAD has increased the number of planes on high alert status in case they are needed in the area of Parliament Hill.
The prime minister’s office is releasing a statement sending thoughts and prayers for everyone involved in today’s ordeal on Parliament Hill. They are confirming the Prime Minister is safe and secure away from Parliament Hill. Justin Trudeau and Tom Mulcair are both confirmed safe as well.