Canadian police arrest man after standoff inside parliament’s east block

By Lala Hajiyeva
April 6, 2025 10:35 Updated 75d ago
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Reuters

A security scare unfolded on Parliament Hill Saturday as a man breached the east block, prompting an hours-long lockdown before police safely took him into custody.

A man was arrested late Saturday following an hours-long lockdown at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, after he gained unauthorized entry into the east block and barricaded himself inside, police said.

The incident began Saturday afternoon when the man entered the east block, which houses the offices of Senators and their staff. Authorities quickly issued a shelter-in-place alert, instructing anyone inside to lock doors and hide. The building was evacuated, and a large section of Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill was shut down, blocking both traffic and pedestrian access.

After more than three hours, police expanded the exclusion zone to nearby Sparks Street. The man was taken into custody without incident later in the evening. There has been no immediate word on potential charges or the individual’s motive.

Ottawa Police Inspector Mark Bouwmeester described the circumstances as “suspicious,” but provided few additional details. Authorities have not confirmed whether the man was armed or made any threats.

Specialized police units, including canine and explosives teams, were deployed to the scene. The east block was largely quiet at the time of the incident, as Parliament has been dissolved since the federal election was called on March 23.

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