Sergeant-At-Arms Hailed As Hero For Stopping Ottawa Attacks Gets Moving Standing Ovation In Parliament
Kevin Vickers, the man credited with killing the Ottawa terror suspect and preventing further bloodshed, gets a prolonged and thunderous ovation the day after the shooting in the very building that was under attack. Vickers appeared to struggle to hold back tears.
Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, the man credited with shooting and killing Ottawa terror suspet Michael Zehaf-Bibeau on Wednesday, returned to Canadian Parliament on Thursday morning to a massive standing ovation.
As he entered the House of Commons to the thunderous applause, Vickers was visibly emotional.
Zehaf-Bibeau, described by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as an “ISIL-inspired terrorist,” is accused of killing soldier Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial before going on a shooting rampage on Parliament Hill.
Vickers was praised by multiple parliamentarians for acting fast and shooting Zehaf-Bibeau before he could kill again.
Kevin Vickers released the following statement, in which he says "I am very touched by the attention," offers praise for the rest of his security team, and extends his "deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo":
Statement from the Sergeant-at-Arms
I am very touched by the attention directed at me following yesterday's events. However, I have the support of a remarkable security team that is committed to ensuring the safety of Members, employees and visitors to the Hill. Yesterday, during extraordinary circumstances, security personnel demonstrated professionalism and courage. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this team.
House of Commons Security Service also maintains a close working relationship with its security partners, including Senate Security, the RCMP and the Ottawa Police. This close collaboration made it possible to pull together and quickly restore order int he Parliamentary Precinct and throughout the downtown core.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Speaker, the Hon. Andrew Scheer, for his leadership and calm demeanour throughout.
On behalf of all members of the House of Commons Security Services team, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Our prayers are with you. Our thoughts are also with Constable Samearn Son, who has been with the House of Commons Security Services for 10 years. Constable Son suffered a gun shot wound to the leg. He is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
As this is an ongoing investigation, I unfortunately cannot comment any further at this time, nor can any member of my Security Services team.
