Two confirmed dead after downtown shooting

Two people have died following two shooting incidents at the National War Memorial and Parliament Hill Wednesday morning, Ottawa Police confirmed in a press release statement.

One shooting victim has died from his injuries, according to the statement. He was a member of the Canadian Forces. 

One male suspect has also died, said police. Another gunman may still be at large, however police can’t confirm. No one has been taken into custody, they added.

The Ottawa Hospital said they received three victims since events began this morning, two of which are in stable care.

At 9:52 a.m., a man shot a soldier at the National War Memorial, then ran towards Parliament Hill, said the Ottawa Police.

There were reports of a second shooting incident occurring at Rideau Centre. However, the shopping mall was under lockdown and there were no sounds of gunshots inside the building, said a Rideau Centre spokesperson. 

In their joint press conference, the OPS and RCMP confirmed no shooting occurred inside the Rideau Centre. 

Details of the victim and suspect’s identity cannot be released, said Ottawa chief of police Charles Bordeleau. It is also too early in the investigation to determine a motive. 

Most of the downtown core remains in lockdown as police continues its investigation. The OPS and RCMP have cautioned residents to avoid going downtown.