Ottawa Shooting: Rideau Centre On Lockdown, Downtown Closed

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Post on Apr 30, 2025

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Ottawa Shooting: Rideau Centre on Lockdown, Downtown Closed

Panic grips Ottawa as shots ring out near Parliament Hill, sending the Rideau Centre into lockdown and prompting a city-wide security lockdown.

Ottawa, Ontario – A shooting near Parliament Hill has thrown the city of Ottawa into chaos. The incident, which unfolded this afternoon [Insert Time], resulted in the immediate lockdown of the Rideau Centre, one of the city's largest shopping malls, and a significant closure of the downtown core. Police have confirmed [Number] casualties and are urging citizens to avoid the area.

The incident began [brief, factual description of the initial event, avoiding speculation]. Witnesses report hearing multiple gunshots and seeing individuals fleeing the scene in panic. Social media has been flooded with images and videos showing the chaotic scene, with many depicting large numbers of people seeking refuge in nearby buildings.

Rideau Centre Lockdown & Downtown Closure: What We Know

The Rideau Centre, a bustling hub located in the heart of Ottawa, was immediately placed on lockdown. Shoppers and employees were instructed to shelter in place, while police swarmed the area to secure the perimeter. Numerous streets surrounding the mall and Parliament Hill have been closed off, causing significant traffic disruptions and impacting public transportation. The lockdown extends to several surrounding buildings and businesses, impacting thousands of people.

Key Updates:

• Casualties: Police have confirmed [Number] casualties. Further details regarding the victims' identities and conditions are pending.
• Suspect(s): The identity and whereabouts of the suspect(s) remain unknown at this time. Police are actively pursuing leads and conducting a thorough investigation. A manhunt is currently underway.
• Parliament Hill Security: Parliament Hill has been secured and is currently under lockdown. All parliamentary activities have been suspended.
• Public Transportation: OC Transpo has announced significant disruptions to its bus and light rail services in the downtown core. Passengers are advised to check the OC Transpo website or app for updates.
• Police Presence: A significant police presence remains in the downtown area. Heavily armed officers are visible throughout the affected zones.

Advice for Ottawa Residents:

• Stay Informed: Monitor official sources for updates, including the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Twitter account and local news outlets.
• Avoid the Area: The downtown core is currently unsafe. Citizens are urged to avoid the area and to follow the instructions of law enforcement officials.
• Shelter in Place: If you are in the affected area, follow instructions to shelter in place and await further guidance from authorities.
• Contact Loved Ones: Check in on family and friends who may be in the affected area.

This is a developing story. We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available. This situation highlights the importance of [mention preparedness, emergency plans, etc.]. The safety and well-being of Ottawa residents is paramount. We urge everyone to remain calm, follow official instructions, and cooperate fully with law enforcement.

Keywords: Ottawa shooting, Parliament Hill shooting, Rideau Centre lockdown, Ottawa lockdown, downtown Ottawa closed, Ottawa emergency, manhunt, police, casualties, security lockdown, OC Transpo, Parliament Hill security.