Ottawa Parliament Hill has reopened after a police investigation into a “possible threat” kept the parliamentary precinct closed for several hours on Saturday afternoon.
According to a warning from the Parliamentary Protection Service (PPS), obtained by CTV News Ottawa, there was a “shelter in place” order due to what the PPS called a “possible threat”. Parliament Hill was evacuated.
“Early today, an alert was sent through the Emergency Notification System (ENS) to all parliamentarians and parliamentary employees by the Parliamentary Protection Service on an operation that is underway with a possible threat.” , PPS said in a statement. “All the Parliament buildings are in Shelter in Place until further notice and Parliament Hill has been evacuated. As the situation continues, our highest priority remains the safety of the parliamentary community and the public. We continue to work closely with our security partners. “
Neither the PPS nor the Ottawa Police Service have provided any details at this time about the nature of the potential threat.
Wellington Street, in front of Parliament Buildings, was closed from Elgin Street to Bronson Avenue, as well as Metcalfe Street between Albert and Slater Streets, according to police.
Roads reopened shortly after 3.30pm and visitors were able to re-enter Parliament Hill. The PPS has made it clear to Parliament employees.
“The investigation into the suspected incident on Parliament Hill has been completed. No threat to public safety has been identified. The area is reopening to the public. We thank the public for their cooperation,” the police said. from Ottawa to Twitter.
A stretch of Wellington Street has been closed to vehicular traffic since the Freedom Convoy protest was cleared in February, but the hill has remained pedestrian accessible.
This is developing news. More details to come …
Due to an ongoing police investigation on Parliament Hill. We ask the public to stay away from the area. Wellington Rd 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 agents. #ottawapolice
– OPS Operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022
The investigation into the suspicious incident on Parliament Hill has been completed. No threat to public safety has been identified. The area reopens to the public. We thank the citizens for their collaboration.
– OPS Operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022