Individual Detained After Gaining Unlawful Access to Canada's Parliament
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Synopsis
On April 6, a man was arrested by Canadian police after unlawfully entering Parliament's East Block and barricading himself inside. The incident initiated a significant lockdown and police response in downtown Ottawa, leading to ongoing investigations into the motives behind the breach.
Key Takeaways
- Individual arrested for unauthorized entry.
- Significant police operation involved.
- Evacuations conducted from Parliament.
- Ongoing investigation into motivations.
- No public members harmed.
Ottawa, April 6 (NationPress) Canadian authorities apprehended a man on Sunday who had barricaded himself within the Parliament building after securing unauthorized entry to the East Block. This incident led to a prolonged lockdown in downtown Ottawa, triggering a substantial police response following a significant security breach, as reported by local media.
"The situation at East Block has concluded without any incidents. One individual is now in custody. The criminal investigation by Ottawa police is underway, and an update will be issued tomorrow morning. We appreciate the public's cooperation," Ottawa police announced via X.
The East Block is designated for the offices of senators and their staff, but due to the upcoming federal election on April 28, there was minimal activity on the Hill.
The occurrence resulted in a major police operation, involving the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS), the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who secured the building and surrounding areas.
According to reports from local media, as the suspect entered the office building, PPS issued a rare alert instructing senators and their staff to "seek shelter in the nearest room. Close and lock all doors and hide."
The same directive was communicated to the Canadian Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Office located across the street, urging parliamentarians and their staff to follow suit, as reported by the National Post.
Evacuations were conducted, and police closed a significant stretch of Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill, halting both traffic and pedestrian movement.
Inspector Mark Bouwmeester addressed the media, stating that the parliamentary police force informed Ottawa Police Service about an individual who had gained unauthorized access to East Block, which is primarily used for senators’ offices and committee rooms.
"This has triggered a considerable police response in the vicinity, involving both the Parliamentary Protective Service and specialized units from the Ottawa Police Service," Bouwmeester remarked.
The inspector declined to disclose whether the man was armed. He noted that the incident was contained to a specific area of the complex, with no public members in danger.
When questioned about the man's motives, Bouwmeester stated that this was part of the ongoing investigation and he could not provide further comments.
The inspector recognized the extensive police presence, which included numerous vehicles from both the Ottawa police and the Parliamentary Protective Service.
The priority for law enforcement is to resolve the situation peacefully.
"This is a sizable police operation at the moment. We are treating this as a serious, suspicious incident," the inspector concluded.
