The Ottawa Parliament Hill was reopened after a police investigation into a “possible threat” left the parliamentary section closed for several hours on Saturday afternoon.
The Ottawa Police Department (OPS) said officers responded to reports of a potential threat but found no risk to the public.
“In coordination with security partners and police, officers began clearing the area, closing the streets to vehicles and pedestrians. “Two vehicles of interest and two persons of interest were located,” OPS said in a press release late Saturday afternoon. “No public safety threat has been identified since the investigation.”
OPS said the investigation was ongoing. No other details were provided for the persons or vehicles of interest. Police have not announced any arrests or charges.
According to a signal from the Parliamentary Protection Service (PPS) received from CTV News Ottawa, there was an order for “asylum on the spot” because of what PPS called a “possible threat”. Parliament Hill was evacuated.
“Earlier today, the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sent a signal to all parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from the Parliamentary Protection Service about an operation that is being carried out with a possible threat,” the PPS said in a statement. “All parliament buildings are in place until the next order and Parliament Hill is evacuated. As the situation continues, our highest priority continues to be the safety of the parliamentary community and the public. We continue to work closely with our security partners. “
Wellington Street in front of the Houses of Parliament is closed from Elgin Street to Bank Street, and Metcalfe Street is closed between Albert and Slater streets, according to police.
Since then, the roads have been reopened and visitors are allowed back on Parliament’s hill. PPS explained everything to the parliamentarians shortly after 4 p.m.
A section of Wellington Street in front of Parliament has been closed to traffic since the Freedom Convoy protest was cleared in February, but the hill remained accessible to pedestrians.
Due to an ongoing police investigation in Parliament Hill. We call on the public to stay away from the area. Wellington Road is closed between Bronson and Elgin Metcalfe is closed between Albert and Slater.
– OPS operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022
Police are continuing to investigate a suspicious incident in the Parliament Hill area. Several streets are closed and there is a large police presence. Do not enter the area. Follow the instructions of the officers. #ottawapolice
– OPS operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022
The investigation into the suspicious incident in Parliament Hill has been completed. No threat to public safety has been identified. The area is open to the public again. We thank the public for their cooperation.
– OPS operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022
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