# Canadian Parliament Attacked **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 22, 2014, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149 "2014-10-22T14:18:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/261 "2014-10-24T14:51:48Z")
I’m pretty sure that the Argyll Sunderlands will have a prominent role at the Cenotaph on November 11, as well as the unit that the soldier in Quebec belonged to. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/262 "2014-10-24T15:09:29Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > …is done in the name of power (not religion), I’m sure he wasn’t thinking ‘up the proletariat, down with the capitalists’ when he went on his killing spree. More likely he was thinking of how many virgins he was getting when he got to paradise. Power had little to do with it. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/263 "2014-10-24T16:03:46Z")
> [@Soylent\_Juicy](#): > > They’re going to send Cpl. Cirillo’s body along the Highway of Heroes today: > > [What's New in Canadian Online Gambling Industry in 2024?](http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2014/10/24/22028286.html) > > For Non-Canadians, the Highway of Heroes is stretch of Hwy. 401 that leads to the Coroner’s Complex. > > From Wikipedia: > > People line the bridges along the highway to pay respects as the body is being taken to the coroner. It’s very emotional. Highway of Heroes is one of the YouTube searches that is pretty much guaranteed to make me cry - also love the song by the Trewes. There was a Remembrance Day piece put out by Edmonton media a few years ago that was also very well done (can’t search right now at work) Stand Easy, brother. Your duty is done. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/264 "2014-10-24T17:50:19Z")
Just tweeted out - the procession is heading out along the Highway of Heroes now ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/265 "2014-10-24T17:54:32Z")
> [@Soylent\_Juicy](#): > > As if our hearts aren’t broken enough, now there’s this picture: > > [Nathan Cirillo's dogs patiently waiting for his return | CTV News](http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/nathan-cirillo-s-dogs-patiently-wait-for-his-return-1.2069113) As a devoted dog lover, I find that very moving. > [@Fuzzy\_wuzzy](#): > > … The only thing lacking was a childs cuddly toy lying on the ground beside said dog. It’s all so easily turned into a big game. Once again I fear I have to disagree with you. I share many aspects of what I gather to be your cynicism about media, but not everything is to be dismissed and ridiculed. If it makes you feel any better think of it as symbolic. A young man, a good man, was taken from us, and he is missed. It’s amazing how strong the emotions are about this young man even among complete strangers, so we need this as a symbol and a marker of a stage of mourning. Would you prefer that the media invade the privacy of his grieving family and post pictures of them instead? ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/266 "2014-10-24T18:06:26Z")
And one of the things all his friends and family mentioned about this soldier was how soft he was when it came to his dogs, how much he loved them, what a pleasure it was to see them together. I too find it a touching photo. (Glad I’m not as cynical as some!) ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/267 "2014-10-24T18:24:07Z")
More dog pictures (and others) are making the rounds. Look at the sixth one down on this page: [http://www.hlntv.com/article/2014/10/23/nathan-cirillo-ottawa-shooting-victim?hpt=hp\_t2](http://www.hlntv.com/article/2014/10/23/nathan-cirillo-ottawa-shooting-victim?hpt=hp_t2) ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/268 "2014-10-24T19:00:04Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > This would stop a crazed gunman from shooting one standing on guard at a national monument? Or running over a couple of soldiers walking down the street?.. In the US, soldier stands on guard. In Canada, soldier stands on guard _for thee_. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/269 "2014-10-24T19:12:56Z")
You guys are taking this worse than the locals did when a crazy Islamist killed a soldier here in [my home town](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Little_Rock_recruiting_office_shooting). ☹ ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/270 "2014-10-24T19:27:44Z")
Really? It was literally the very seat of our democracy. And we’re not taking it right? What’s wrong with you? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/271 "2014-10-24T19:52:15Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > Really? It was literally the very seat of our democracy. > > And we’re not taking it right? > What’s wrong with you? It was meant to be commiserative. I apologize if I did not explain myself well. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/272 "2014-10-25T02:03:51Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > This was a lone nutbar. He shot a ceremonial guard in the back, and then he walked into a staff entrance on Parliament hill guarded by two armed guards. He shot the first guard and then grazed the second guard as he was diving away. > **[Ottawa shooting: A timeline of events from RCMP | CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-shooting-a-timeline-of-events-from-rcmp-1.2810918)** > > Here's a brief timeline of events that unfolded in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday morning as recounted by RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson during a news conference Thursday. Official version from the RCMP is that he came through the front doors of centre block. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/273 "2014-10-25T04:07:16Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > [Ottawa shooting: A timeline of events from RCMP | CBC News](http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/politics/ottawa-shooting-a-timeline-of-events-from-rcmp-1.2810918) > > Official version from the RCMP is that he came through the front doors of centre block. Looks like you may be right. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/274 "2014-10-25T04:26:32Z")
Have they said where the other security was inside Parliament? I’ve read the MP’s were literally sharpening wooden poles to defend themselves and PM was hiding in a cupboard. Were there no guards in that building at all? I know the Sergeant at Arms (a ceremonial position) shot and killed the bad guy. I know everyone in that building is thankful he reacted. But, where were the police guards? Sorry if this was covered. It’s a six page thread and I’m not getting any younger. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/275 "2014-10-25T04:40:45Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Have they said where the other security was inside Parliament? I’ve read the MP’s were literally sharpening wooden poles to defend themselves and PM was hiding in a cupboard. Were there no guards in that building at all? I know the Sergeant at Arms (a ceremonial position) shot and killed the bad guy. I know everyone in that building is thankful he reacted. But, where were the police guards? > > Sorry if this was covered. It’s a six page thread and I’m not getting any younger. 😉 You have to understand Canada. I’m not sure there are police guards inside Parliament typically. The sergeant-at-arms appears to have a half dozen or so security guards reporting to him, and I think that’s about it. The grounds outside are patrolled by the RCMP, but when nothing happens in like, forever, you kind of get complacent. I may be wrong, but the above is my knowledge of security on the Hill at this time, and even that is beefed up after 9/11 and after a nutbar drove a bus onto the Hill in the late 80s/early 90s. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/276 "2014-10-25T04:51:23Z")
I thought they at least had a couple cops at each entrance. I knew things are more relaxed in Canada. Thanks Leaffan There is a limit what security can do in a public building. For example the US White House recently had an intruder get inside. That’s in spite of all the security procedures. Mistakes happen no matter how many people are assigned. A trade off has to be made between making it an impregnable fortress and actually using it as a public building. The President can’t do his job if people can’t get inside to meet with him. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/277 "2014-10-25T12:34:43Z")
I’m not sure if this has been mentioned, but even ceremonial guards should have real weapons, and not an unloaded rifle. Just by virtue of the uniform, guards (ceremonial or otherwise) are more of a target than others, and in my view this should mean they should have the means to actually defend themselves. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/278 "2014-10-25T13:28:31Z")
If his gun had been real, would he not still be dead now? I take your point, but clearly it would not have mattered. Doesn’t giving him a gun make him more of a target? Couldn’t three people overpower him and take his gun? I’m not sure it’s a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/279 "2014-10-25T13:53:06Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > If his gun had been real, would he not still be dead now? I don’t know. Do we know if the first shot hit him? > [@](#): > > Doesn’t giving him a gun make him more of a target? Couldn’t three people overpower him and take his gun? I thought he already had a gun, it just was not loaded (it was a ceremonial weapon). ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2014, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/280 "2014-10-25T14:09:18Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I’m not sure if this has been mentioned, but even ceremonial guards should have real weapons, and not an unloaded rifle. Just by virtue of the uniform, guards (ceremonial or otherwise) are more of a target than others, and in my view this should mean they should have the means to actually defend themselves. Well, that’s easy to say in hindsight. It had never happened before, and even in this case, Nathan Cirillo would still be dead. He was shot from point blank from behind and the guards had no idea what was happening until it was too late. And then the assailant would have had a loaded C7, rather than the old shitty rifle he did have. Whoops! I can tell you from person Canadian Forces experience that issuing ammunition is a big freakin’ deal. There’s an administrative burden and tt’s a security issue you have to be constantly worried about. I would have HATED being issued ammunition for ceremonial duties. I wouldn’t have even wanted the rifle to have its bolt in it. A ceremonial guard is not a security guard. Cirillo’s job was not to shoot people, or threaten to shoot people, or enforce the law. His job was to engage in a ceremony. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149.md?page=15)