Key Takeaways:
- After being closed for many hours Saturday afternoon owing to a police investigation into a “possible threat,” the Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa has reopened.
- The roads are reopened, and people may now visit Parliament Hill again. PPS gave the green signal to Parliamentary employees just after 4 p.m.
The Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa has reopened after being shuttered for many hours Saturday afternoon due to a police investigation into a “possible threat.”
According to the OPS, officers from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) reacted to reports of a possible threat but discovered no danger to the public.
“Officers began clearing the area in coordination with security and policing partners, blocking streets to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. There were two vehicles of interest and two people of interest found. “Late Saturday afternoon, the Office of Personnel Management (OPS) issued a press release. “No public safety danger has been established due to an inquiry.”
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The inquiry is still ongoing, according to the OPS. There were no more specifics regarding the people or vehicles of interest. The police announced no arrests or charges.
According to an alert acquired by CTV News Ottawa from the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS), a “shelter in place” order was issued due to a “potential danger.” The evacuation of Parliament Hill was ordered.
“Earlier today, the Parliamentary Protective Service issued an alert via the Emergency Notification System (ENS) to all lawmakers and parliamentary personnel regarding an operation that is now underway with a probable threat,” the PPS said. “Parliament Hill has been evacuated, and all Parliamentary facilities are in Shelter in Place until further notice. Protecting the legislative community and the general public remains our priority as the situation persists. Our security partners and we continue to collaborate closely.”
According to police, Wellington Street was closed from Elgin Street to Bank Street in front of the Parliament Buildings, and Metcalfe Street was shut between Albert and Slater streets.
Roads have reopened, and visitors are once again permitted access to Parliament Hill. Just after 4 p.m., PPS gave the green light to Parliamentary employees.
Since the “Freedom Convoy” rally was cleared in February, a stretch of Wellington Street across from Parliament has been shut to vehicular traffic. However, the Hill has remained accessible to people.
Source: CTV News
