The Canadian Parliament went into lockdown on Saturday after a man barricaded himself inside, prompting authorities to urge the public to ‘hide’.
The man “gained unauthorized access” to Parliament Hill’s East Block on Saturday afternoon and remained barricaded inside the building into the evening, Ottawa Police
Ottawa Police and Parliamentary Protective Services arrived at the East Block of Parliament Hill on Wellington Street just before 3 p.m. However, alert was issued at 2.45 p.m asking people inside to “seek shelter in the nearest room. Close and lock all doors and hide,” as per a report by CTV News.
Later, Ottawa Police posted on X, There is an ongoing police operation on Parliament Hill at the moment. Please avoid the area. There is no further information. Updates to follow.
The situation is under control, but the lockdown will stay in place for now. Police are handling the incident as a “potential worst-case scenario” to keep the area safe. Police have cleared the area and evacuated everyone.
“Officers are on scene at Parliament Hill for a barricaded man in the area of East block. There is a large police presence in the area. East block has been evacuated. There are no known injuries and police continue to deal with an individual in this ongoing incident that began just before 3 p.m. Please avoid the area and follow the direction of officers. Road closures remain in place on Wellington St. from Bank Street to Sussex Drive,” police said in the second post
‘Stay Safe Ottawa’
Meanwhile, Canadian Senator Patrick Brazeau said on X, “Stay Safe Ottawa” along with a photo of the startling alert.
Parliament is currently dissolved ahead of Canada’s upcoming federal election.
The East Block holds the offices of senators and their staff, according to a government web page. Parliament is currently dissolved because of the federal election.
