Canada’s Parliament was placed under lockdown on Saturday, April 6, 2025, after a man barricaded himself inside the East Block on Parliament Hill, prompting a significant security response and public warnings to take cover. The incident began shortly before 3 p.m. local time, leading Ottawa Police and the Parliamentary Protective Service to respond rapidly to the scene on Wellington Street, which houses offices for senators and their staff.
At 2:45 p.m., the Parliamentary Protective Service issued an emergency alert urging those inside the East Block to “seek shelter in the nearest room, close and lock all doors, and hide,” according to CTV News. As the situation unfolded, a heavy police presence quickly cordoned off a large section of Wellington Street, which runs in front of the Parliament complex, while residents were advised to avoid the area.
Inspector Mark Bouwmeester of the Ottawa Police confirmed that the man had gained unauthorized access to the East Block and described the circumstances surrounding the incident as suspicious. “We’re currently in contact with the individual and our priority is to resolve this situation peacefully,” he stated during a press briefing. While police did not disclose whether the man was armed or had made threats, they treated the situation with extreme caution, considering it a “potential worst-case scenario” to ensure public safety.
As the lockdown continued into the evening, police reassured the public that there were no known injuries. Ottawa Police updated the situation via social media, stating, “Officers are on scene at Parliament Hill for a barricaded man in the area of East Block. There is a large police presence in the area. East Block has been evacuated.”
Canadian Senator Patrick Brazeau shared a photo of the emergency alert on X, writing, “Stay safe Ottawa.” The area remained under lockdown as officers worked to resolve the situation. Road closures were implemented on Wellington Street, from Bank Street to Sussex Drive, and remained in effect until further notice.
As the incident unfolded, authorities emphasized the need for caution given the heightened security concerns. The lockdown was a precautionary measure, implemented while Parliament is currently dissolved ahead of the upcoming federal election, which means that while the building was not in active use, staff and others were still present in the East Block.
By 10:39 p.m. that evening, Ottawa Police announced that the incident had come to a peaceful end, confirming that one man was in custody. A comprehensive investigation was still ongoing, with updates anticipated in the following hours.
In the early stages of the operation, police had deployed a bomb squad as part of their response to the barricaded man, highlighting the seriousness with which they approached the situation. Law enforcement sources indicated that the breadth of the lockdown was due to the necessity of treating every situation as a potential worst-case scenario to maintain security.
As the events unfolded, the public was reminded to remain vigilant and follow instructions from first responders. The incident at the East Block has raised concerns about security protocols at government facilities, especially during election periods when heightened tensions can lead to unpredictable situations.
The East Block of Parliament Hill, a significant building within Canada’s political landscape, houses the offices of senators and their staff. The fact that it was targeted during a time when Parliament is not in session has raised further questions about security measures in place to protect government officials and the public.
As the dust settles on this alarming incident, the focus will likely shift toward reviewing security protocols and ensuring that such breaches do not occur in the future. The response from law enforcement has been praised for its rapidity and professionalism, but the underlying issues of security in governmental spaces remain a pressing concern for many Canadians.
In summary, the lockdown of Canada’s Parliament serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in public spaces, especially those associated with national governance. As investigations continue, the hope is that lessons learned from this incident will lead to improved safety measures for all who work within and visit these crucial institutions.
