MPs in House of Commons give emotional tribute to sergeant-at-arms
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife Laureen paid a solemn visit to the National War Memorial, a day after a soldier was gunned down.
Sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers given standing ovation as he entered Thursday's session of the Canadian Parliament. Vickers is credited with shooting the attacker who murdered a Canadian soldier and entered Parliament firing dozens of rounds. (Oct. 2
OTTAWA — Federal politicians from all parties paid tribute to the sergeant-at-arms as the House of Commons resumed Thursday, with applause from all sides for the man who was among those to open fire on the Parliament Hill gunman a day earlier.
Kevin Vickers, the sergeant-at-arms, was stoic as he carried the mace into the legislative chamber.
He was largely expressionless, save for an occasional nod of acknowledgment. At one point, he appeared close to tears during the ovation, which lasted several minutes. Several more ovations ensued over the course of the morning.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a statement to express the government's gratitude for the work of the police and security services, and to reiterate that Canada won't be cowed by Wednesday's attack.
“In this struggle in which we are engaged, in which not only our finest values must be pushed to work, so must be, and will be, the highest unity and resolve,” Harper said.
Harper's remarks ended with the remarkable spectacle of the prime minister walking across the floor to embrace and shake hands with both Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.
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SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS
House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers carries the mace during the Speakers Parade on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014.
Earlier Harper and wife Laureen paid a solemn visit to the National War Memorial Thursday, a day after a soldier on ceremonial guard was shot and killed.
But as the couple approached the monument, there was more drama in a city already on edge as police officers took a man into custody at gunpoint.
It appeared that the man had crossed police lines, prompting officers to draw their weapons and order him to the ground. He was arrested.
Security is tight in downtown Ottawa and visitors are being barred from Parliament Hill after Wednesday’s brazen shootings.
After fatally shooting the soldier standing ceremonial guard at the war memorial Wednesday morning, the gunman made his way to Parliament Hill.
He burst through the front doors of Centre Block and with police officers in chase, ran down the Hall of Honour, where he was hit by a volley of bullets.
It was jarring attack on the heart of Canada’s democracy, one that forced MPs to take cover in barricaded rooms.
Throngs of MPs and visitors gathered behind the barricades set up around the war memorial Thursday morning.
“This morning is one for remembrance and for reflection as well as resolve to continue in the House of Commons,” Trudeau said, after laying a bouquet of flowers near the memorial.
“As different parties have gathered here very informally, without preparation, we wanted to show our respect on the way in to our workplace,” Trudeau said.
“The freedom and the strength of this country is in our openness, our respect and our strength in defending our values and standing for them,” Trudeau said.
He entered the Commons to a standing ovation by MPs. He nodded to acknowledge the applause and appeared emotional. As the national anthem was sung in the chamber, tears streamed down his face.
