The Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, stressed that "Canada would never be intimidated", following an attack on parliament yesterday, which left a soldier dead.
A gunman, who has since been identified as a Muslim convert names Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, launched an attack on Wednesday morning, killing a soldier, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, at the National Memorial in Ottawa. The gunman later died of gun shot injuries.
“Attacks on our security personnel and on our institutions of governance are by their very nature attacks on our country, on our values, on our society,” Harper said in a televised address on Wednesday night.
“But let there be no misunderstanding. We will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated. In fact this will lead us to strengthen our resolve.”
"This will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts and those of our national security agencies to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats," he added.
Parliament remained in lock down much of Wednesday as security forces attempted to bring the situation under control. See more here.
The attack has been condemned by the leaders across the world.
“Not only is Canada one of our closest allies in the world, but they're our neighbours and our friends," said US president Barack Obama in a telephone call to Stephen Harper on Wednesday.
“So obviously we’re all shaken by bit, but we’re going to everything we can to ensure that we’re standing side by side with Canada at this time.”
The British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "I'm appalled by today's attack in Ottawa. I offer my full support to @pmharper and the Canadian people as they deal with this incident."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "News of the attack in Ottawa is extremely disturbing. I pray for everyone's safety."
See also: Canadian Tamils express shock and outrage at Ottawa attack (23 Oct 2014)
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