OTTAWA – A manhunt is on for armed assailants after several rounds of gunfire tore through Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada and other city locations. Local police stations and military bases nationwide are on lockdown as police attempt to locate the culprits.
Three separate incidents began with the shooting of a soldier at a war memorial. The assailants apparently wreaked havoc at other city locations – including the main government building. Police confirmed one on Parliament Hill, one at the war memorial, and one near a local shopping mall. “So I’m locked down in Center Block on Parliament Hill after at least one shooter burst in and opened fire,” local reporter Josh Wingrove stated. “I heard dozens of gunshots and the smell of gunpowder is heavy in the hallways right now.” Wingrove also reported seeing a motionless body inside the parliament building,
Ottowa police have confirmed that two or three gunmen were involved in the incident. Associated Press Television News journalist Jorge Barrera reported that police are in possession of a photograph of the gunman, who reportedly has dark skin and long black hair. Barrera also tweeted that police have the suspect’s cellphone. There are reports that more than one assailant is active in the area. “There are multiple assailants,” police reportedly told local columnist John Invision, adding “move back, they’re targeting first responders.”