Ottawa shooting: Sgt.-at-Arms Kevin Vicker's statement

Text of a statement issued Thursday by Kevin Vickers, the House of Commons sergeant-at-arms. Vickers and an RCMP officer are credited with taking down gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau inside Parliament's main hallway Wednesday, as MPs meeting in adjacent rooms feared for their lives.

"I am very touched by the attention directed at me following yesterday's events. However, I have the support of a remarkable security team that is committed to ensuring the safety of Members, employees and visitors to the Hill. Yesterday, during extraordinary circumstances, security personnel demonstrated professionalism and courage. I am grateful and proud to be part of this team.

"House of Commons Security Services also maintains a close working relationship with its security partners, including Senate Security, the RCMP and the Ottawa Police. This close collaboration made it possible to pull together and quickly restore order in the Parliamentary Precinct and throughout the downtown core.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Speaker, the Hon. Andrew Scheer, for his leadership and calm demeanour throughout.

"On behalf of all members of the House of Commons Security Services team, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Our prayers are with you. Our thoughts are also with Constable Samearn Son, who has been with the House of Commons Security Services for 10 years. Constable Son suffered a gun shot wound to the leg. He is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

"As this is an ongoing investigation, I unfortunately cannot comment any further at this time, nor can any member of my Security Services team.

Thank you,

Kevin Vickers"