Parliamentary Protective Service locks down East Block as cops talk to barricaded man

By Canadian Press on April 5, 2025.

OTTAWA — There is a lockdown in place on Parliament Hill as Ottawa police say they are dealing with a barricade man.

The service issued a warning on Saturday afternoon for anyone in East Block, which houses parliamentary offices, to seek shelter in the nearest room, close and lock all doors and hide.

Anyone who is not in the immediate area is being warned to stay away until further notice.

A social media post from Ottawa Police says a “barricaded man is in the area of East Block” and urges people to avoid the area, noting there are no reports of injuries.

There’s a heavy police presence in the area and a significant stretch of Wellington Street, which runs in front of Parliament Hill, has been cordoned off.

Police have brought in a robot to deal with the situation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 5, 2025.

The Canadian Press