Shootings in Ottawa: Canadian soldier dead, gunman shot and killed in Parliament

Canada's Parliament on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
©SueFrausePhoto | November 2009

Ottawa and the country of Canada are reeling from this morning's attacks on Parliament Hill. 

"In brazen shootings in Ottawa, an armed attacker shot a soldier at the National War Memorial before heading to Parliament's Centre Block, where he was shot and killed. Police later confirmed the soldier died from his injuries. The downtown remains in lockdown as police search for a possible second attacker." CBC News 

I've had the opportunity to travel to Ottawa twice. My first visit to Canada's capital city was in 2004 while on a trip in neighboring Quebec. Five years later, I spent several days in Ottawa during my 10-day cross-country trip from Halifax, NS to Vancouver, BC: Closet Canuck's Great Big Canadian Train Adventure. 

View of Canada's Parliament from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.
©SueFrausePhoto | November 2009

Watching the drama unfold on CBC, Peter Mansbridge delivered the breaking news calmly, clearly and concisely -- he was obviously moved. As the veteran broadcaster signed off from his six hours of reporting duties, Mansbridge described it as "a dramatic time in our country" and "an unprecedented day in recent Canadian history." 

Peace to all our friends in Canada. 

Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
©SueFrausePhoto | November 2009