Standing Ovation for Canadian Hero Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers

Standing ovation for Canadian hero Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers

Date: October 24, 2014

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David Crary and Jennifer Peltz

Canadian lawmakers gave Sergeat-at-Arms Kevin Vickers a standing ovation (standing and clapping) for fatally shooting a gunman who had entered the Parliament building.

Ceremonial role: Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers carries the mace through the Hall of Honour during the Speakers parade in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Photo: AP

Ottawa, Ontario: The standing ovation began even before Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers entered the Parliament chamber in his black robe, carrying the golden ceremonial mace on his right shoulder (see above picture).

For more than two minutes, the lawmakers clapped and banged their desks on Thursday for the white-haired former Mountie (policeman), who is being called a hero for shooting the gunman who had stormed Canada's seat of power just a day earlier.

At first expressionless and motionless, the 58-year-old Vickers eventually responded to the ovation with a few slight nods of his head.

Hailed as hero: Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers is applauded in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Photo: Reuters

Later in the session, Prime Minster Stephen Harper praised Mr Vickers.

"I would be very remiss (careless) if I did not conclude in acknowledging specifically the work of the security forces here on Parliament and the great work of our sergeant-at-arms," he said to more cheers and applause from the members.

Mr Harper then went over to shake Mr Vickers' hand.

PM's praise: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks with Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers. Photo: AP

"I am very touched by the attention directed at me following yesterday's events," Mr Vickers said in a statement.

"However, I have the support of a remarkable (amazing) security team," he added. "Yesterday, during extraordinary (difficult) circumstances, security personnel demonstrated professionalism and courage. I am grateful and proud to be part of this team."

The gunman who attacked Parliament, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, had been seen by witnesses minutes earlier, shooting dead a soldier at the nearby National War Memorial.

As gunshots were heard in the Parliament building, some people ran, while others hid inside as police with rifles and body armour took up positions outside and shut down the normally busy streets around Parliament.

In his statement, Mr Vickers said one of the security officers on duty with the House of Commons, Constable Samearn Son, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg but was expected to make a full recovery.