Canada’s parliament on lockdown after man barricades himself inside, authorities urge public to ‘hide’

The Canadian Parliament was put on lockdown Saturday after a man barricaded himself inside — prompting authorities to urge the public to “hide.”

The East Block has since been evacuated and Parliament Hill remains under a shelter-in-place order since police responded to the startling incident just before 3 p.m. local time, Ottawa Police said in a X post.

Heavy security surrounded Canada’s parliament. REUTERS

A lockdown was declared on Saturday afternoon. REUTERS

People inside received an alert from the Parliamentary Protective Services at 2:45 p.m. telling people to “seek shelter in the nearest room, Close and lock all doors and hide,” according to CTV News.

Residents were told to avoid the area.

Road closures remain in place on Wellington St. from Bank Street to Sussex Drive, police said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.