Gunman killed in Ottawa; 3 shootings confirmed

A gunman has been killed in Ottawa after three separate shootings in the nation’s capital forced Parliament Hill into lockdown and gripped the city with fear.

Authorities confirmed shots had been fired inside Parliament, at the National War Memorial and near the Rideau Centre shopping mall. At least two people are reportedly injured.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed to CTV News that a gunman has been killed. Ottawa police will not confirm if the three shootings are the work of a lone gunman. There are conflicting reports about the number of shooters involved.

Around noon on Wednesday, live video from outside the Rideau Centre showed officers clearing the area and blocking off roads.

The first reports of violence came just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, when gunfire erupted at the National War Memorial and a soldier was wounded.

Witnesses reported seeing a man with long hair and a rifle running towards Parliament Hill.

Video captured inside Parliament showed officers filing down the empty halls of the Hall of Honour as at least a dozen shots could be heard ringing out in the background.

Jason MacDonald, director of communications for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, tweeted that Harper was safe and had left the area.

Several MPs also took to Twitter to say that they were safe. Several described what they had heard, and many said they were in hiding.

MP Tony Clement tweeted that at least 30 shots were heard from inside the building, close to where the Conservatives and the Liberals hold their weekly caucus meetings.

The RCMP is advising people to stay away from the area, and people in downtown Ottawa are being told to stay away from windows and off of roofs.

The shooting comes two days after a man attacked two Canadian soldiers in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. One of those soldiers died from his injuries. The suspect was shot and killed by police.

On Tuesday, Canada raised the domestic terror threat level from low to medium.

Tags: Gunman killed in Ottawa; 3 shootings confirmed