RAW VIDEO: Standing ovation in House for sergeant-at-arms

Kevin Vickers, the sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons, was welcomed into Parliament with a standing ovation and loud applause from MPs.

Vickers is credited for his life-saving actions on Wednesday when he shot the gunman responsible for the killing of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau all thanked Vickers in their remarks on the tragedy during the opening session.

“Kevin, we are in your debt. Canadians are proud of you, and they thank you,” Trudeau said.

Read Vickers full statement below:

I am very touched by the attention directed at me following yesterday’s events. However, I have the support of a remarkable security team that is committed to ensuring the safety of Members, employees and visitors to the Hill. Yesterday, during extraordinary circumstances, security personnel demonstrated professionalism and courage. I am grateful and proud to be part of this team.

House of Commons Security Services also maintains a close working relationship with its security partners, including Senate Security, the RCMP and the Ottawa Police. This close collaboration made it possible to pull together and quickly restore order in the Parliamentary Precinct and throughout the downtown core.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Speaker, the Hon. Andrew Scheer, for his leadership and calm demeanour throughout.

On behalf of all members of the House of Commons Security Services team, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Our prayers are with you.  Our thoughts are also with Constable Samearn Son, who has been with the House of Commons Security Services for 10 years. Constable Son suffered a gun shot wound to the leg. He is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

As this is an ongoing investigation, I unfortunately cannot comment any further at this time, nor can any member of my Security Services team.

Thank you,
Kevin Vickers

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today