Ottawa shooting: Man arrested at gunpoint as prime minister Stephen Harper lays flowers at National War Memorial
Ottawa Police said the man was arrested for 'disturbing the crime scene'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man was arrested at gunpoint after crossing police tape at the Ottawa war memorial as Prime Minister Stephen Harper laid flowers to commemorate the killing of a soldier.
Mr Harper and his wife were visiting the National War Memorial when police surrounded the man with their guns drawn and ordered him to the ground.
Ottawa Police said the man was arrested for "disturbing the crime scene", Reuters reported. It was not immediately clear what the man's intent was.
An officer at the scene said: "He crossed the tape. We told him not to. He didn't listen."
The moment was captured on camera and seen by a crowd, including members of the public and politicians, who had gathered at the war memorial.
Corporal Nathan Cirillo was killed after a gunman opened fire at the National War Memorial just before 10am on Wednesday.
The gunman is believed to have then driven in a car up to the Parliament Centre Block, where a gun fight with police took place before he was shot dead by sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers.
The House of Commons was set to open on schedule at 10am on Thursday, with the prime minister due to speak at that time.
Tighter security was evident all over the sprawling parliamentary zone in downtown Ottawa.
Meanwhile, the flag flying over Parliament's Centre Block, where the gunman had burst in on Wednesday morning, was at half mast.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments