#canadastrong

teebe:

• Someone went to the War Memorial and shot a soldier (point-blank, reports CBC). The soldier was a reservist from Hamilton standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Bystanders stepped in to help the soldier and CPR was performed. He was taken to hospital alive.
• After the War Memorial shooting, the suspect supposedly got in a car and drove to Parliament Hill, which is right near the War Memorial. He ran into Centre Block. 30-50 shots fired. As he approached the MP Caucus room, he was shot and killed by Sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers. Death was confirmed by police. Early reports suggested police had found the car.
• Police are reporting that there was NO INCIDENT at the nearby Rideau Centre.
• It was confirmed by the hospital that three victims were brought in. Two of them were reported to be in stable condition. One of whom is a parliamentary guard. No comment on the third, who was confirmed to be the soldier from the War Memorial. Conservative MPs then began reporting that the soldier from the War Memorial died in hospital. Police have officially confirmed this. No I.D yet as next of kin is being notified.
• This is still an active situation. Number of suspects has not been confirmed by police.
• All of downtown was on lockdown (cannot go in/out) buses are re-routed. UOttawa is on lockdown and Carleton is telling everyone to skip class. Yes, the hockey game is postponed (Leafs were apparently staying not far from where the shootings happened.) All military bases, police stations, federal buildings, etc. are closed. Cell networks were clogged for awhile but they seem to be clear now.
• Soldiers that are off-duty are being told NOT to wear their uniforms.
• Security has been heightened across the country.
• CBC reporting that the terror threat had been raised last week.
• The U.S. President was briefed on the situation. The President and PM have spoken over the phone. According to White House, they discussed the shootings in Ottawa and what happened in Quebec.
• U.S. has also stepped up their security measures.
• Also, DO NOT post on any social media about where police are stationed.
• If you are in downtown Ottawa— do not go outside and stay away from the windows. Listen to the instructions of your building manager. Police are asking that everyone else stay away from downtown.
• There are NO reports of who the suspects are or why this is happening. Any person or news agency claiming this is linked to ISIS, or any other group, is currently reporting false information. There is speculation this is linked to what happened in Quebec but it’s only speculation.
• RCMP held a news conference at 2:15pm. Says police presence will continue for as long as necessary and are asking for witnesses to come forward (see contact info below)
• PM will make a speech sometime tonight.
• The Rideau Centre has re-opened and people were allowed to leave. Police have begun easing barriers around the War Memorial, but are still sweeping the downtown area. Police still consider this ongoing.

Those in Ottawa, if you need to speak with someone:

• Ottawa Crisis Line 613.722.6914 | http://www.crisisline.ca/
• Distress Centre Ottawa 613.238.3311| http://www.dcottawa.on.ca/

From the Ottawa Police:
The Ottawa Police Service wants to speak to witnesses of today’s shooting incidents.  Witnesses are to call Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222, ext 5493.
Those with tips regarding the shooting incidents, or those looking to report suspicious activity, can call 613-236-1222 or call 9-1-1.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS), toll free at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.
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If you have photo or video from what happened today, RCMP are asking you upload it HERE to help with their investigation.
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*This post will continue to be updated
Updated Oct 22 2:30 pm
Updated Oct 22 3:08pm
Updated Oct 22 3:14 pm
Updated Oct 22 3:20 pm
Updated Oct 22 3:29 pm

(stolen from tumblr)

Scary day here in the Great White North. 

Every time I hear about a terrorist attack, I always think to myself that it'd never happen here. Every day, it feels like things like that won't ever happen here. Maybe because in my head, it feels like all of us are friendly people up here, like we're all friends with each other up here, like no one would ever have a problem with anyone or anything here. Because Canada's a great country.

But I know it's naive to think this way, and the realities of this country and this world are glaring, and that things like this have happened before and will probably keep happening because nothing can ever be truly all right.

Please, please, please, if you're in Ottawa, follow instructions from authorities and stay hella safe. And if you're a witness, please, please, please chip in and call the police so we can get to the bottom of this and get some answers for the families affected.