Falk recalls tense moments in Ottawa

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This article was published 22/10/2014 (3473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Provencher MP Ted Falk described a surreal scene that unfolded for Conservative MPs meeting on Parliament Hill on Wednesday.

Politicians, staff and visitors to Parliament Hill were caught up in the confusion as a gunman exchanged gunfire in Parliament’s Centre Block.

The group was well into their caucus meeting when Falk says they heard a barrage of five or six “popping” sounds from outside the room. A few seconds later it became clear to all in the room what was happening.

“This is gunfire we’re hearing immediately outside our room,” he said.

Falk noted that among the members of the Conservative caucus are a handful of former RCMP officers.

“They recognized the need to secure the room,” Falk said.

One photo circulating on social media captured the image of parliamentary chairs thrown against the caucus room door as a barricade. Falk can be seen standing nearby.

The local MP surmised that 40 or 50 rounds were fired in the exchange with the gunman, who was shot and killed.

Sargeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers entered the room and told MPs what had transpired. Falk says Vickers told them that he had been in his office when he heard the first shots fired, grabbed his gun and left his office to confront the shooter.

Vickers has been hailed as a hero for ending the gunman’s assault.

Falk says within the room there was a lot of fear and anxiety. It was unknown what the nature of the incident was or if it was part of a larger coordinated attack.

He noted that Prime Minister Stephen Harper was hidden within the room before being moved to another location about 10 to 15 minutes after the gunfire erupted.

When Falk spoke to The Carillon late Wednesday night, he had only just returned to his hotel room. He and others were allowed out of Parliament around 8 p.m.

Earlier in evening, Falk released a statement extending his thoughts and prayers to family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was shot and killed by gunman while standing on guard at the National War Memorial.

A number of political institutions remained on high alert both in Ottawa and across the country on Wednesday. Falk noted his local constituency office was closed for the afternoon in response to the Ottawa attack.