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The Ottawa Police Service is responding to an incident involving a barricaded man in the East Block on Parliament Hill.
In a Saturday afternoon post on X, the OPS reported “a large police presence in the area. (The) East block has been evacuated. There are no known injuries … The ongoing incident … began just before 3 p.m.”
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The Parliamentary Protective Service issued an emergency alert mid-afternoon Saturday that Parliament Hill’s East Block has been locked down. Recipients of the alert were urged to “seek shelter in the nearest room, close and lock all doors and hide.”
The East Block houses the offices of senators and their staff. The Senate is not sitting at the present time.
People not in the immediate area were told to “stay away until further notice. Do not travel to locations under lockdown.”
The National Post’s parliamentary reporter, Christopher Nardi, reported at least two dozen Parliamentary Protective Service and Ottawa Police Service vehicles were surrounding the East Block. Access to the Hill is closed to pass holders.
He reported one police officer held a rifle pointed toward the main entrance of the building but then backed off. Meanwhile, police have shut down the stretch of Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill and are setting up a police tape perimeter.
Senator Patrick Brazeau posted a note on X after the alert was issued: “Stay safe Ottawa.”
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The Protective Service said further instructions from first responders will be forthcoming.
More to follow.
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