Department of National Defence official Daniel Le Bouthillier said the incident took place Monday at 10:15 a.m. on the lawn of Parliament Hill, during the Changing of the Guard parade.
The man was armed with a knife and attempted to stab a guard member. “Due to the quick reaction of our soldiers, RCMP and Parliamentary Protective Services, the potential threat was identified and neutralized,” Le Bouthillier said. “No one was injured during this incident.”
The man was arrested.
As the matter is under investigation by the police, any other comments at this point would be inappropriate, Le Bouthillier said.
Ottawa police now have custody of the suspect.
The daily Changing the Guard Ceremony on Parliament Hill is a popular tourist attraction. It began on Sunday, June 24 and is scheduled to end on Aug. 23.
In addition to the daily Guard Mount ceremonies on Parliament Hill, the Ceremonial Guard performs hourly sentry duties every day at Rideau Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Canadian Forces said.
