The Canadian Parliament was forced into lockdown today after a man barricaded himself inside one of the buildings, triggering a tense security response and prompting authorities to tell people to “hide.”
Police in Ottawa, along with the Parliamentary Protective Services, responded swiftly to an incident at the East Block on Wellington Street — home to senators’ offices and their staff — shortly before 3 p.m., according to a post on X from Ottawa Police. The building was evacuated soon after.
As of this evening, the area remained under a shelter-in-place directive, with officers carrying heavy weaponry stationed throughout the grounds and surrounding streets.
An emergency alert was issued by the Parliamentary Protective Services at 2:45 p.m., instructing those inside to “seek shelter in the nearest room, close and lock all doors and hide,” according to reporting by CTV News.
So far, no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident, police said.
“Stay Safe Ottawa,” wrote Canadian Senator Patrick Brazeau on X, attaching a photo of the emergency notification sent to those on site.
Law enforcement sources informed Global News that the immediate threat has been managed, but a lockdown remains in place as a precaution. Authorities are continuing to treat the event as if it could escalate, aiming to keep the area secure.
At present, Parliament is not in session due to the upcoming federal election, which has dissolved the legislative body temporarily.
Authorities have asked people to steer clear of Parliament Hill and surrounding areas impacted by the lockdown.
According to police, several roads remain closed, including Wellington Street between Bank Street and Sussex Drive.