Ottawa man who barricaded himself in Parliament Hill charged: police

A 31-year-old man faces several charges after he allegedly barricaded himself in Parliament Hill’s East Block on Saturday.

The man was arrested following an hours-long lockdown which began after police said he entered a security screening area in the East Block and began making threats to the safety of those inside.

He now faces two counts of breach of probation, and one count each of public mischief and uttering threats to cause property damage. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.

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Authorities said in a news release Sunday morning that the man was isolated in the security screening area, while the Parliamentary Protective Service and Ottawa Police Service evacuated the building and surrounding area.

When the incident first began, a warning was issued for anyone in the East Block, which houses parliamentary offices, to seek shelter in the nearest room, close and lock all doors and hide.

A significant stretch of Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill was also shut down, blocking traffic and pedestrians.

Multiple authorities, including emergency services, K9 units, the OPS Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives unit, and negotiators were deployed.

Following hours of negotiation, police said the man peacefully surrendered and was arrested on scene.

According to law enforcement, several packages were found in the area and searched and cleared.

No one was injured in the incident, and police say no explosives, weapons or hazardous materials were located on the man.

An investigation is ongoing into what occurred, according to authorities.