Category Archives: Ottawa shooting
A Day in canada
GREAT NEWS! Anti-Islamization ‘Generation Identitaire’ now at work in Quebec, Canada
Mosques in Limoilou, Ste-Foy, and Quebec City proper were targeted with message “Islam out of my country” by an anti-Islamization youth movement ‘Quebec Identitaire’ which originated in France as ‘Generation Identitaire’ and is rapidly spreading through Europe.
CBC Three Quebec City mosques were the target of anti-Islam messages over the weekend. Signs reading “Islam hors de chez moi” — Islam out of my country — were posted on each of the mosques’ front doors.
A mosque in the Limoilou neighbourhood, the Islamic cultural centre of Quebec City in Ste-Foy and the capital city mosque in Quebec City proper were targeted. A group named Québec Identitaire (See the original ‘Generation Identitaire’ video below) seemingly has taken credit for the posters. The group’s name was written on the posters.
Khalil Bahji, who has been attending the Limoilou mosque since 2007, said he and his fellow congregation members are saddened by the attack. He said the members of the surrounding community are also disappointed, adding that they have been supportive in the past. (Not any more)
We thought about moving to another place when our lease was about to end, Bahji told CBC Daybreak on Monday. (How about Saudi Arabia?)
He told host Mike Finnerty that a member of the community approached members of the mosque and asked why they wanted to leave and whether the neighbours had done anything to make them feel unwelcome.
“This action doesn’t reflect the real opinion of the people who surround the mosque,” Bahji said. (Yes, it does!)
An administrator at another mosque said they have handed over a security tape to police showing two people putting up signs on their door.
The administrator told Radio-Canada that he believed they were isolated incidents and that he wasn’t worried, shrugging it off as an unfortunate incident of cultural ignorance. (Au contraire! People are finally getting educated about how dangerous Islam is to Canada)
The National Council of Canadian Muslims condemned the attacks. (Canada’s version of Hamas-linked CAIR)
“While these types of acts are hurtful, Canadian Muslims know they do not represent the views of the vast majority of their fellow citizens. (Yes, they do. Get used to it) We call on authorities to investigate these incidents as hate crimes so that a clear message is sent that these acts have no place in our communities,” said NCCM executive director Ihsaan Gardee in a written statement.
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Despite death threats, retired US Marine stands guard at Canadian War Memorial in honor of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, murdered by a Muslim terrorist
Following the Islamic attack on the Canadian Parliament, which killed Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, an unlikely Marine took up guard at the Canadian War Memorial. Retired Major R. E. G. “Fox” Sinke, Jr., a Vietnam veteran and highly decorated Marine, ignored death threats from Muslims to stand guard in Cirillo’s place.
Army Times (h/t Mike F) Retired Marine Maj. “Fox” Sinke says he has received threatening phone calls from Arabic speakers since he stood guard at Canada’s National War Memorial last week. But as he told police: “If they’re looking for a fight, they came to the right guy.”
Sinke said he received at least two phone calls on Tuesday from people who screamed at him in Arabic and then hung up. “The only words I recognized were ‘kill you,’ because I’ve heard them before,” he said. When Sinke told police about the phone calls, he added, “I promise you this: If they come here, they’ll die here.”
Sinke is a decorated veteran who did tours in Vietnam and received five Purple Hearts. When Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a Canadian service member, was shot and killed last month while guarding Canada’s war memorial, Sinke felt obligated to honor the fallen hero. “The murder of the young Cpl. Cirillo was so despicable and craven that I just couldn’t find it within myself to do nothing,” said Sinke, a dual Canadian-American citizen.
So Sinke, who lives in Canada, donned his Marine uniform and sword and went to the memorial to stand guard. He told local media that he came to pay tribute to fallen comrade in arms and he wanted to show that Canadians will not be intimidated. He also had a message for would-be terrorists: “I said, ‘Hey, you’re looking for a target, here’s a new one for you; give it your best shot; we’ll see how it works out for you.’ ”
Sinke arrived at the memorial at 6:30 a.m. and guarded the memorial alone until 9 a.m., when the Canadian honor guard and eight Canadian police officers armed with fully automatic weapons showed up, he said.
When a video (below) aired of Sinke guarding the memorial, some questioned whether he actually served as a Marine. Guardian of Valor, an organization that vets claims about people’s military service, posted Sinke’s service records on their website, putting all doubts to rest. “…We did some digging and reached out to our contacts to find out more about Major Sinke, and we can tell you that not only did this man serve as a Marine, he was a highly decorated Marine!” the release states. “He is taking a stand for what he believes is right, and yes he has five Purple Hearts.”
The Canadian troops were glad to see the Marine at the war memorial and allowed him to guard the northern side of the monument for the day, but the senior police officer was initially perturbed, telling Sinke he should not have been there by himself.
“He says, ‘God man, you got more balls than brains don’t you?’ ” Sinke said. “So I said, ‘Well actually, sir, I was kind of hoping that one of those scum-of-the-earth radicals would show up and take me on because, to tell you the truth, I have always dreamed of being able to confront an evil-doer and run him through with this damn sword.’ So he kind of liked that, you know.”
2014 shootings at Parliament Hill, Ottawa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Shootings at Parliament Hill | |
|---|---|
Parliament Hill’s Centre Block, scene of the attack by Michael Zehaf-Bibeau[1]
|
|
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Date | October 22, 2014 9:52 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. (EDT) |
|
Attack type
|
Shooting spree, homicide,carjacking, shootout, terrorism[2] |
| Weapons | .30-30 Winchester Model 94rifle[3] |
| Deaths | 2 (including the perpetrator)[1][4] |
|
Non-fatal injuries
|
3[5] |
| Perpetrator | Michael Zehaf-Bibeau[6] born Michael Joseph Hall[7][8][9]) |
A series of shootings occurred on October 22, 2014, at Parliament Hill and nearby in Ottawa, Canada. Michael Zehaf-Bibeau fatally shot Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a Canadian soldier on ceremonial guard duty at the Canadian National War Memorial. He then launched an attack in the nearby Centre Blockparliament building, where members of the Parliament of Canada were attending caucuses. Zehaf-Bibeau was killed inside the building in a gunfight with parliament security personnel.[10][11] Following the shootings, thedowntown core of Ottawa was placed on lockdown while police searched for any potential additional threats.
The attack took place two days after another attack on military personnel inSaint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, which also killed a Canadian soldier. Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper said both of these attacks serve as a “grim reminder that Canada is not immune to the types of terrorist attacks we have seen elsewhere around the world.”[12]
Zehaf-Bibeau was a Canadian of Libyan descent, who had converted to Islamin 2004 and visited Libya in 2007. He was also a habitual offender and drug addict, who had been barred from a British Columbia mosque for his behaviour, and was staying in a homeless shelter. Zehaf-Bibeau wanted to leave Canada for the Middle East, but had not obtained a passport and was under investigation. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recovered a video recorded before the attack by Zehaf-Bibeau, in which he stated his motives. According to the RCMP: “They were in respect, broadly, to Canada’s foreign policy and in respect of his religious beliefs.” The video has not been released while the RCMP studies its contents.[13] In his mother’s opinion, the attack was the “last desperate act” of someone who was not well in his mind and felt trapped.[14] How Zehaf-Bibeau, who was prohibited from possessing or acquiring firearms, obtained his weapon is as yet unknown.[3] The investigation into the attack is ongoing.[2][15]
The attack was the most serious security breach at Parliament Hill since the 1966 parliament bombing.[16] The incident, which attracted international attention, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of police actions to prevent terrorist attacks and the security measures in-place at federal and provincial legislatures. In the wake of the incident, the Canadian government introduced a bill to expand the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Canada’s spy agency. The bill was slated to be introduced the day of the shootings, which postponed it. The government plans to introduce new anti-terrorism measures.[17]
Background
On October 20, in the 2014 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu ramming attack, Martin Couture-Rouleau attacked two Canadian Armed Forces soldiers. Rouleau was a 25-year-old Québécois with extensive police encounters who had become a Muslimconvert in 2013[18] and was a supporter of ISIL.[19] Rouleau used his car to run down the two soldiers before being fatally shot by police during an ensuing car chase.[20] One of the soldiers, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, age 52, subsequently died from his injuries.[4]
The terror threat level in Canada was on October 21 raised to medium in light of Vincent’s death and due to “an increase in online ‘general chatter’ from radical groups including Islamic State and al-Qaeda.”[21] In his address to the nation following the shootings on October 22, Prime Minister Stephen Harper referred to the October 20 incident as an ISIL-inspired terrorist attack.[12] Although both the October 20 and 22 attacks led to the death of Canadian soldiers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has ruled out any direct connection between the events of October 20 and 22.[22]
Shootings[edit]
National War Memorial[edit]
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The National War Memorial, where Corporal Nathan Cirillo was fatally shot
Shortly before 10:00 a.m. EDT, on October 22, 2014, witnesses saw Zehaf-Bibeau arrive at the National War Memorial carrying a rifle, which was later identified as a .30-30 Winchester Model 94 lever-action hunting rifle.[23] He was dressed in blue jeans, black jacket, and a keffiyeh-style head scarf.[24][25] He approached Corporal Nathan Cirillo of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s), who was a ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At close range, Zehaf-Bibeau shot Cirillo twice in the back,[26] fatally wounding him. Cirillo, like all soldiers mounting the guard of honour at the memorial, carried an unloaded firearm.[27] Bystanders applied first aid to Cirillo, attempting to resuscitate him, before paramedics arrived and took him to hospital. Another soldier, also on ceremonial guard duty nearby, briefly chased Zehaf-Bibeau, who shot at him.[26]The soldier then returned to help Cirillo.[28]
Zehaf-Bibeau returned to his vehicle, which was parked on the south side ofWellington Street behind the memorial, and drove west along Wellington a short distance to Parliament Hill, where he abandoned his vehicle. Past scattering bystanders, he ran through a gate in the fence surrounding the Parliament Hill precinct and carjacked a parliamentary vehicle assigned to ministers of the Crown, which he drove to the Centre Block parliament building.[29] RCMP officers on patrol in the precinct witnessed the carjacking and pursued the vehicle to the base of the Peace Tower.[26]
A photograph of Zehaf-Bibeau was taken by a tourist at the War Memorial during the shootings, using a cellphone.[24] It shows Zehaf-Bibeau holding the rifle and wearing a scarf over part of his face. Ottawa police seized the tourist’s camera and took their own photograph of the image as it appeared on the cellphone. The photo was first posted by French-Canadian journalist William Reymond,[30] not ISIL as was first erroneously reported.[24]
Parliament buildings
The Hall of Honour in the Centre Block, where Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was killed in an exchange of gunfire
Zehaf-Bibeau entered the Centre Block through the main entrance under the Peace Tower, where Samearn Son was one of two security guards on duty. Son saw the rifle in Zehaf-Bibeau’s hand, immediately grabbed it and pulled it towards the floor while yelling “Gun! Gun! Gun!” In the ensuing struggle, Son was shot in the foot and had to let go of the attacker.[31] Zehaf-Bibeau and guards exchanged between 20 and 30 gunshots as he ran down the Hall of Honour to an alcove by the entrance to the Library of Parliament,[32] which is beside the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, Kevin Vickers.
Vickers, a distinguished policeman, commander and administrator with the RCMP before he joined the staff of the House of Commons in 2005,[33] obtained a 9mmhandgun from a lock-box and entered the hall. Vickers’ security team, which had been chasing Zehaf-Bibeau, yelled to Vickers that the suspect was hiding in the alcove. Vickers immediately ran behind the other side of a nearby column, then dove past the column and fired upward at Bibeau, incapacitating him. The remainder of the security team moved forward to fire as well.[1][34][35][36] According to Vickers’ niece, “this is the first time in his career that he’s shot anyone.”[37]
Prime Minister Harper and the leader of the opposition, Thomas Mulcair, were holding caucus meetings in rooms on either side of the Hall of Honour. The Liberals, as the third party, were holding their caucus meeting in a chamber downstairs. Harper was hidden in a closet while Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) made a barricade at the doors, grabbing flagpoles to use as rudimentary spears.[38][39][40][41] Vickers soon explained to the Conservative caucus what had happened and reportedly said either “I put him down”[39] or “I have engaged the suspect. He is deceased.”[42] Following the shooting, Harper was evacuated by his security detail.[43]
Casualties
| Corporal Nathan Cirillo |
|
|---|---|
| Born | December 23, 1989 |
| Died | October 22, 2014 (aged 24) Ottawa, Ontario |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/branch | Canadian Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) |
Corporal Nathan Frank Cirillo[44] (December 23, 1989 – October 22, 2014), a 24-year-old Canadian soldier, was killed.[45] He was a Class-Areservist[46] of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada fromHamilton, Ontario. He was on ceremonial guard duty[47] at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial where he was shot. Although several civilians immediately provided assistance for the wounded reservist,[48] Cirillo died in hospital later that morning.[45][49]Though Cirillo had a standard issue firearm, it was not loaded with ammunition in accordance with standard practice.[50]
Samearn Son, a House of Commons constable, was injured. When Zehaf-Bibeau arrived at the Centre Block, he was confronted by Son. Son, who was unarmed, was shot in the foot while trying to wrestle away Zehaf-Bibeau’s gun. Son’s actions provided a critical assist to stop the attack by delaying Zehaf-Bibeau, while the other security personnel were mobilizing to stop him.[51]Son was treated and released by Ottawa Civic Hospital.[50]
Two other unidentified people who were injured in unspecified locations were treated and released at Ottawa Civic Hospital.[5][10]
Perpetrator
| Michael Zehaf-Bibeau | |
|---|---|
| Born | Michael Joseph Hall[7][8][9] October 16, 1982 Quebec City, Quebec |
| Died | October 22, 2014 (aged 32) Ottawa, Ontario |
|
Cause of death
|
Gunshot wounds |
| Residence | Ottawa Mission Shelter (at the time of death)[52] Previous: Vancouver, British Columbia Calgary, Alberta[53] Aylmer, Quebec Montreal, Quebec[54] |
| Nationality | Canadian[54] and Libyan (possible dual citizenship through father)[55] |
| Ethnicity | Arab and French Canadian |
| Religion | Islam (prev. Roman Catholicism) |
Michael Zehaf-Bibeau[7][8] (born Michael Joseph Hall[7][8][9] or Joseph Paul Michael Bibeau;[59] October 16, 1982 – October 22, 2014) was identified by officials as the perpetrator of the shootings.[60] According to the Toronto Starhe was born Joseph Paul Michael Bibeau and in 1995, his parents legally changed his name to Joseph Paul Michael Abdallah Bulgasem Zehaf-Bibeau to better reflect the other half of his heritage..[59]
Zehaf-Bibeau grew up in Eastern Canada, including Ottawa and Montreal.[61]His mother is Susan Bibeau, a French-Canadian Quebecer from Montreal and deputy chairperson of a division of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board. His father is a businessman, Bulgasem Zehaf,[56][8] a Libyan immigrant to Quebec who opened the Tripoli cafe in Montreal. Zehaf is reported to have fought in the Libyan Civil War in 2011;[56][61] the Washington Times reported that Mr. Zehaf had returned to his hometown of Zawiyah in Libya to join the uprising against the Muammar Gaddafi regime. The couple split up before Zehaf-Bibeau’s birth, but reconciled a short while after and were married.[59]Zehaf and Bibeau divorced in 1999.[56] After the divorce, Zehaf-Bibeau was removed from a private school with strict discipline and put in a secondary school known for pupils fighting with other students from local schools.[57]Zehaf-Bibeau continued to live in the Montreal area until 2007, when he spent time in Libya before moving to Western Canada to become a miner and labourer.[61]
Zehaf-Bibeau became a habitual offender with an extensive criminal record for several offences, including larceny, drug possession, and parole violations. He had received several criminal convictions, at least one of which resulted in a custodial sentence of 60 days’ incarceration.[8] In November 2001, just after his 19th birthday, he was convicted of possessing a false credit card and impaired driving.[62] In 2004, he pleaded guilty to drug possession for marijuana and PCP. He failed to appear at the trial date in 2006, but appeared three years later to plead guilty to marijuana possession and was given a discharge. In 2011, he was charged with robbery and “uttering threats” in Vancouver, but only convicted of the lesser charge of uttering threats.[63] He claimed that he committed the 2011 robbery so that he would be incarcerated, in order to kick his drug habit. He received a psychiatric evaluation, but was determined to be fit to stand for trial.[56][64]
Baptized a Roman Catholic,[57][65] he converted to Islam[56] in 2004[56] and had attended Sunni Muslim[66] mosques in theBritish Columbia cities of Burnaby and Vancouver.[61] A mosque in Vancouver, British Columbia, expelled him. ‘His behaviour was not normal,’ said David Ali, vice-president of Masjid Al-Salaam mosque in nearby Burnaby. He said: ‘We try to be open to everyone. But people on drugs don’t behave normally.’[57] Also, an acquaintance recalled that he had “erratic” behaviour, he had said “the devil is after him”, and was requested to stop attending the mosque after upsetting religious elders.[67] The acquaintance believed he was mentally ill.[68]
Zehaf-Bibeau wanted to leave Canada. An associate of Zehaf-Bibeau reported he had discussed wanting to go back to Libya to study Arabic and Islam.[61] It was erroneously first reported that his mother told police he wanted to go to Syria to join the anti-government rebels in the Syrian Civil War,[57][69][61][70][71] but she denied this, stating that she told the RCMP that he was intending to travel to Saudi Arabia. “He thought he would be happier in an Islamic country where they would share his beliefs.”[72][73] In a telephone interview with the press, Zehaf-Bibeau’s mother stated she grieves for the victims of the attack, not her son. In an email to the press, she also stated “I am mad at my son,” and stated that “he seemed lost and did not fit in.”[74]
Zehaf-Bibeau arrived in Ottawa on or before October 2, ostensibly to pursue securing a passport. Zehaf-Bibeau had applied for a Canadian passport and a background check was in progress. RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said this issue was central in driving the attacks.[75] Zehaf-Bibeau, who may have also had Libyan citizenship,[76] applied for a Libyan passport renewal on October 2 and was refused the same day.[55] Zehaf-Bibeau had received a Libyan passport in 2000 and then travelled to Libya in 2007. That document had expired, and Zehaf-Bibeau told officials that he wanted a new passport so he could visit family and friends in Libya.[55]
Zehaf-Bibeau had been staying at the Ottawa Mission, a homeless shelter in Ottawa near Parliament Hill. According to other residents of the mission, Zehaf-Bibeau and two other men had been trying to get a vehicle. Others said of Zehaf-Bibeau and the other two men, “You knew they were up to something shifty, pacing around a lot and everything.”[77] The vehicle used by Zehaf-Bibeau was purchased one day before the shootings.[26] One resident of the mission noted that Zehaf-Bibeau’s mood had changed three days before the attacks, and he attributed it to Zehaf-Bibeau going back on drugs. Zehaf-Bibeau reportedly told the other residents that he was “anti-Canadian” and to pray because “the world is ending”.[78]
A day before the attack, multiple witnesses saw Zehaf-Bibeau engaged in a “heated discussion” with another man while waiting to register his purchase of the vehicle used in the shootings. According to a witness, Zehaf-Bibeau said “If soldiers bombed your family, wouldn’t you want to kill them?”. Staff in the registry office asked him to lower his voice or leave. The purchase was disallowed by the office because of his out-of-province identification. The purchase was never registered and Zehaf-Bibeau pasted a piece of junk mail on the car to mimic a temporary license permit.[79]
How Zehaf-Bibeau obtained his gun has not been determined.[80] At the time of the shootings, Zehaf-Bibeau was legally prohibited from possessing or acquiring firearms.[3] Additionally, his previous criminal charges and convictions, history of drug abuse, and lack of a fixed address all would have prevented him from receiving a Canadian Firearms Licence.[3] A knife that Zehaf-Bibeau had with him on October 22 was determined to have originated from a relative’s home.[80]
Aftermath
Ottawa[edit]
Ottawa’s downtown core was put under lockdown while a search began for a potential second shooter.[81] Buildings under lockdown included Canada’s parliament, the University of Ottawa and the United States embassy.[1][34] Initially, police reported a third shooting had taken place near the Rideau Centre mall at the same time. A few hours later, police corrected this mistaken report, stating that only two shootings took place.[81]
The locations of the two shooting incidents: 1. the war memorial, 2. the Centre Block
At a press conference at 2:00 p.m., Ottawa police confirmed Cirillo’s death without using his name, pending notification of his family. The RCMP confirmed Zehaf-Bibeau’s death, without his name or any other details, citing the ongoing investigation. The National Defence headquarters, the parliament buildings and other government facilities remained in lockdown while a search of the area took place.[82] Areas around Parliament Hill including a mall and a university remained closed for hours with buildings in lockdown, with police searching buildings room by room for shooters. Police lifted the lockdown on all public schools in and around Ottawa’s downtown core at around 5:45 p.m. Parliament Hill remained under lockdown until well past 9:00 p.m. and, even after MPs and staffers were allowed to leave the Centre Block, streets directly adjacent to Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial remained closed to the public the next day.[83] Parliament Hill reopened to the public on Friday, October 24, and parliament building tours will resume on Monday, October 27.[84]
Canada[edit]
Canadian Armed Forces members in Ottawa, Québec, and Atlantic Canada were told to stay out of uniform when not on active duty,[85][86][87] while members in other parts of Canada were not asked to avoid wearing uniforms.[88][89] Further, Canadian military bases around the country heightened their security.[87] The incident caused cancellation of a ceremony scheduled for later the same day in Toronto, in which Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai was to receive her certificate of honorary Canadian citizenship from Harper.[90]
Although security was heightened at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto, all of the party leaders agreed that the day’s session of Question Period should continue.[91] In Edmonton, public tours were cancelled for the day at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and security increased.[92] The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia was placed under restricted access, and most constituency offices on Vancouver Island were closed as a precaution.[93] Nova Scotia’s legislature, sitting that day, restricted access in the public gallery to the press, and staff of the government and political parties.[94] TheNational Assembly of Quebec flew its flag at half mast the evening of October 22 as a tribute to Cirillo.[95]
International[edit]
In the United States, security was increased in Washington, D.C., at the Canadian embassy, United States federal government offices nearby, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.[96] The Australian Federal Police increased security at Australia’s Parliament House, as well as at the Canadian High Commission inCanberra.[97] Security at the New Zealand Parliament Buildings was also tightened.[98]
Investigation and government response[edit]
Initially, the Ottawa Police Service stated that they were investigating the shooting at the Canadian National War Memorial while the RCMP was investigating the shooting at Centre Block.[34] However, on Thursday, October 23, the Ottawa Police Service announced that the shooting had been declared a matter of national security and, as such, the entire investigation would be turned over to the RCMP. It was also announced that the RCMP had in turn asked the Ontario Provincial Police(OPP) to conduct a standard independent investigation into the response of police and security forces.[99][100]
Some observers recalled two reports issued by the Auditor General of Canada on the administration of the House of Commons and the Senate with respect to their security.[101][102] While many operational aspects were praised, it was noted that possible jurisdictional confusion could result between the RCMP, Ottawa Police, the House of Commons Security Services, and the Senate Protective Service and that no agency had jurisdiction over the roofs of the parliament buildings.[103]
The day after the shooting, Prime Minister Harper pledged to expedite plans to boost security forces’ surveillance, detention and arrest powers.[104] Statements by members of the Harper government indicated it was considering ways to beef up anti-terrorism laws. On October 29, Justice Minister Peter MacKay stated the government will work to prevent the promotion of terrorism online.[105]
On October 23, the RCMP released security video recorded on Parliament Hill showing Zehaf-Bibeau entering the Parliament Hill precinct, carjacking a ministerial car, then driving it to the Peace Tower entrance. They also announced that Zehaf-Bibeau was not one of 93 suspected extremists on a RCMP high-risk traveller list. “The RCMP did not possess information at that time that would reveal any national security related criminality” RCMP Commissioner Paulson also announced that a background check of Zehaf-Bibeau for a passport had been underway and that Zehaf-Bibeau’s email had been found in a computer of an un-named individual charged with terrorism offences.[106]
On October 26, the RCMP announced that they had “persuasive evidence” that showed Zehaf-Bibeau’s attack was “driven by ideological and political motives.”[80] According to the RCMP, Zehaf-Bibeau had recorded a video of himself prior to the attack. In RCMP Commissioner Paulson’s words: “He was quite deliberate, he was quite lucid and he was quite purposeful in articulating the basis for his actions. They were in respect, broadly, to Canada’s foreign policy and in respect of his religious beliefs.” The RCMP did not release the video, which they were studying for “its intelligence and evidence value”, but Paulson stated that they hoped to release it eventually.[13]
On October 27, RCMP Commissioner Paulson appeared before a parliamentary committee to brief MPs. “While we are facing this threat at home, we must focus our efforts on preventing individuals traveling abroad to commit acts of terrorism. Preventing the individuals from traveling is critical. If these individuals return with training and/or battle experience, they pose an even greater threat to Canada and our allies.”[107] That day, the Canadian Government introduced a bill, delayed by the shootings, to broaden the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) spy agency. Among other powers, it would allow the agency to operate internationally and introduce a program to revoke Canadian citizenship of dual nationals who are convicted of terrorism.[107]
Reactions
On October 23, MPs in the House of Commons gave a standing ovation to Kevin Vickers for his heroism in stopping the attacker. The first order of business in the house was a moment of silence in honour of Cpl. Cirillo.[108] Prior to the day’s session, Harper laid a wreath at the War Memorial; MPs from all parties attended a moment of silence and sang “O Canada” at the Memorial before walking together to Parliament.[109] The flags at Parliament Hill and other federal government buildings were also flown at half-mast to commemorate the events of both October 20 and 22.[109]
As soon as the war memorial was reopened to the public, in front of it grew a makeshift memorial to Cirillo; residents laid out flowers, cards, and wreaths. On October 24, 2014, Cirillo’s body was transported home to Hamilton in an official motorcade along Ontario Highway 401; the portion between Trenton and Toronto being known as the Highway of Heroes. The times of the motorcade were publicized and people stood at overpasses to observe and as it passed. Cirillo’s family released a statement “Nathan loved the army. He had a strong unwavering devotion to duty; he understood what it meant to sustain freedom. He was fearless. Nathan would have done his duty even if he knew this tragedy was coming. Nathan was Canada’s son, he belonged to all of us.” The Cirillos also thanked the outpouring of support by the Canadian Forces and those who came to the soldier’s aid: “We’ve always thought we live in the best country in the world, the people just proved it.”[110] Thousands attended visitation at the funeral home where Cirillo lay in state. Cirillo was accorded the honour of a full regimental funeral service and funeral procession on October 28 in Hamilton, attended by family, soldiers and dignitaries including Prime Minister Harper.[111]
A fund to benefit the families of the two slain soldiers was started on October 22 with a goal of CDN$10,000. It surpassed its goal by noon the following day, when representatives of Canadian banks called to arrange a donation of $80,000. As of October 29, the fund, known as the Stand On Guard Fund has raised $550,000.[112]
On October 27, a concert by the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NAC Orchestra) (from Ottawa) and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (from London) concert was dedicated to Patrice Vincent and Nathan Cirillo. It was attended by the Queen’s eldest son, Prince Charles. The NAC Orchestra has dedicated its entire UK tour of five performances to Vincent and Cirillo.[113]
A National Hockey League (NHL) game to have taken place on October 22 in Ottawa, between the Ottawa Senators andToronto Maple Leafs, was postponed and rescheduled for November 9.[114] Over the following days, several NHL teams held moments of silence and “O Canada” was sung prior to games in the United States in which no Canadian team was participating.[115][116] On October 25, pre-game ceremonies were jointly held in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto to honour the deceased and first responders.[117]
The Queen’s daughter, Anne, Princess Royal, along with the Governor General, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries will attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial on November 11, 2014, which will proceed as planned by the Royal Canadian Legion. A larger than normal crowd of public attendees is expected.[118]
Statements on the shootings
Canadian[edit]
Queen Elizabeth II, the Canadian monarch, issued a statement from her and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, expressing shock and sadness.[119] Her federal representative in Canada, Governor General David Johnston, extended his sympathies to the family of the deceased Canadian soldier and gratitude for the “professionalism and courage of our security personnel and emergency responders.”[120]
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in the caucus room in Centre Block while the shootings occurred
Immediate reactions came from MPs Marc Garneau and John McKay. Ottawa MayorJim Watson said it was a “sad and tragic day for the city and country.”[121] Other Canadian politicians and social media also reacted.[122]
In a televised address that evening, Prime Minister Harper called the shootings a “brutal and violent attack”[123] and he made specific reference to the ISIL-inspired homicide of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent who died as a result of a terrorist attack days earlier.[124] Harper insisted that “Canada will not be intimidated” by acts of violence and remained committed to Canada’s efforts “to work with our allies around the world and fight against the terrorist organizations who brutalize those in other countries with the hope of bringing their savagery to our shores. They will have no safe haven.”[124] Harper classified both of the week’s attacks as terrorism in his address to the House of Commons on October 23, saying “we’re all aware and deeply troubled that both of this week’s terrorist attacks were carried out by Canadian citizens, by young men born and raised in this peaceful country.”[125]
Opposition leader Thomas Mulcair, of the New Democratic Party, made a public statement after the attacks, saying: “Just as we have all borne witness to these horrific acts, we have watched in awe your acts of courage, now an abiding emblem of Canadian strength, values and valour.”Justin Trudeau, the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, stated in part that “Canadians know acts such as these committed in the name of Islam are an aberration of [the Muslim] faith. Mutual respect and admiration will help to prevent the influence of distorted ideological propaganda posing as religion.”[124] Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said in the House of Commons: “I would put money on these being the acts of isolated, disturbed and deeply troubled men who were drawn to something crazy. I do not believe that it was a vast network, or that the country is more at risk today than it was last week. However, that is my opinion. I can be wrong…I am undoubtedly going to be wrong again, but what I would like to suggest is that we wait for answers from the police before we make assumptions, and that we speak calmly, truthfully and openly to all Canadians.” According to The Globe and Mail, her speech was met with audible grumbling from both sides of the floor.[104] Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne stated, “Our belief is that people who are using violence to undermine democracy want us to be silenced and we refuse to be silenced.”[126][127]
A public statement by the Muslim Association of Canada condemned the violence in Ottawa and Quebec: “MAC would like to offer its condolences to the victims of violence over the past week. We are horrified by these acts of violence, especially in the Parliament of our nation’s capital. We stand with all Canadians in condemning these attacks and seeking justice for those responsible.”[128] A mosque in Cold Lake, Alberta, was defaced overnight with graffiti. This was immediately cleaned up in a joint effort with local residents.[129]
Supranational
- United Nations: The United Nations issued a statement that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was “aware of the situation…[and] he hopes the situation will be brought quickly under control by Canadian law enforcement authorities. His thoughts are with the people and government of Canada at this difficult time.”[130]
- NATO: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a press release expressing his shock and sadness at the shootings and condolences for the family of the victim.[131]
- NORAD: Commander General Chuck Jacoby issued a statement that offered condolences: “My heart goes out to our Canadian comrades on this tragic day following the shootings in Ottawa, as well as the hit-and-run attack in Quebec earlier this week, both of which targeted Canadian Armed Forces personnel. We offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Canada. We share their grief, but also their determination not to be intimidated by these cowardly acts.”[96]
Sovereign states
- Australia: Both Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister, and Mark Binskin, the Chief of the Defence Force, issued statements of condolence and solidarity with Canada.[132]
- Georgia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing “its deep concern over the attack” and stating “its solidarity with the Canadian Government and the Canadian people.”[133]
- India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, saying, “As a nation that has experienced a horrific terrorist attack on its Parliament, we share the sense of outrage and trauma of the people of Canada over the attack on the highest institution of democracy. Canada is one of India’s strongest partners and we will continue to strengthen our cooperation in combating terrorism and other crimes for a safer future for our people.”[134]
- Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted condolences and support.[135]
- Malaysia: Ronald Kiandee, the Deputy Speaker of the lower house of the Malaysian parliament, condemned the attack, saying such incidents to Canada’s parliament “should never have happened”.[136]
- New Zealand: Prime Minister John Key offered condolences and solidarity.[135]
- Singapore: A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson condemned the attack and stated that: “The attacks underscore the need for countries to remain vigilant in dealing with the threat posed by terrorists.”[137]
- United Kingdom: Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “appalled by [the] attack in Ottawa” and offered his full support to his Canadian and Commonwealth counterpart, Stephen Harper, and the Canadian people as they dealt with the incident.[130]
- United States: President Barack Obama was briefed about the attacks. The White House released a statement that read: “President Obama condemned these outrageous attacks, and reaffirmed the close friendship and alliance between our people.”[97] In the following week, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made a visit to Ottawa, which included laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of the two soldiers killed.
A day in Ottawa Canada Oct 22 nd to the 29 th
CANADA: “Shut down all mosques,” says former Hérouxville councillor
“Permanently,” adds BNI.
CJAD One of the authors of Hérouxville’s code of conduct in 2007 is calling for all mosques across the country to be closed temporarily, in reaction to the killings of two Canadian Forces members in separate incidents in Ottawa and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu last week.
In an interview with the French-language TVA network, André Drouin, a councillor in the Mauricie town at the time, noted that both attackers from last week were recent converts to Islam.
“When we see what’s common with those two people…and there are others across the country…they all passed through mosques,” he says. “Maybe there’s a problem with mosques. You don’t need to be a genius to think of that.”
Among other things, the Hérouxville code of conduct forbade the stoning of women and burning them with acid. The document earned worldwide notoriety, and helped kickstart the debate in Quebec on the “reasonable accommodation” of ethnic and religious minorities, and led to the creation of the Bouchard-Taylor commission to study the issue.
Alex Infohub 