# 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:** 8
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/141 "2014-10-23T14:06:31Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > Also, I’m slightly disappointed that the Sargeant-at-Arms reportedly took down the gunman with a pistol rather than with his ceremonial mace. Well, yes, that would have been awesome. Still, it’s quite something to see the head official actually leading under fire; the gentleman was a long-service veteran of the RCMP before getting this gig so he knew what had to be done. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/142 "2014-10-23T14:14:23Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Here are the actual pictures of the Sergeant-at-Arms moments after he took care of the problem. > [Canadian sergeant-at-arms](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2804397/Canadian-sergeant-arms-58-hailed-hero-shooting-dead-terrorist-Zehaf-Bibeau-exchange-gunfire-30-year-career.html) … and he was wearing his ceremonial garb at the time! 🆒 [Refers to an exchange earlier in this thread @ posts 45-46] ---
**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 23, 2014, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/143 "2014-10-23T14:18:51Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Here are the actual pictures of the Sergeant-at-Arms moments after he took care of the problem. > [Canadian sergeant-at-arms](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2804397/Canadian-sergeant-arms-58-hailed-hero-shooting-dead-terrorist-Zehaf-Bibeau-exchange-gunfire-30-year-career.html) I had assumed the sergeant-at-arms role was strictly ceremonial. This guy is Canada’s James Bond. Well done sir. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/144 "2014-10-23T14:23:12Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I had assumed the sergeant-at-arms role was strictly ceremonial. This guy is Canada’s James Bond. Well done sir. This has got to be the first time a seargent-at-arms has ever performed this particular role. As a side-note, I’m not sure our American friends in the media have quite realized just how bizzare it is to have the seargent-at-arms personally take down an armed attacker. I was listening to a US news station, and they reported the event as something like ‘the assailant was killed by security forces’. This is of course true, but under the circumstances, a bit of an understatement … I’m not sure there is an American equivalent or analogous role, though. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/145 "2014-10-23T14:33:35Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I had assumed the sergeant-at-arms role was strictly ceremonial. This guy is Canada’s James Bond. Well done sir. Guy looks like he should have had a martini in one hand with a girl at his side while he shot the intruder. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/146 "2014-10-23T14:35:02Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > This has got to be the first time a seargent-at-arms has ever performed this particular role. > > As a side-note, I’m not sure our American friends in the media have quite realized just how bizzare it is to have the seargent-at-arms personally take down an armed attacker. > > I was listening to a US news station, and they reported the event as something like ‘the assailant was killed by security forces’. This is of course true, but under the circumstances, a bit of an understatement … I’m not sure there is an American equivalent or analogous role, though. They have them too: > **[Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives)** > > The sergeant at arms of the United States House of Representatives is an officer of the House with law enforcement, protocol, and administrative responsibilities. The sergeant at arms is elected at the beginning of each Congress by the membership of the House. > In one of its first resolutions, the 1st United States Congress (April 14, 1789) established the role of Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives. > As the chief law enforcement officer of the House, the sergeant at ar... > **[Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_Senate)** > > The sergeant at arms and doorkeeper of the United States Senate (originally known as the doorkeeper of the Senate from April 7, 1789 – 1798) is the protocol officer, executive officer, and highest-ranking federal law enforcement officer of the Senate of the United States. The office of the sergeant at arms of the Senate currently has just short of 1,000 full time staff. > One of the roles of the sergeant at arms is to hold the gavel when not in use. The sergeant at arms can also compel the attenda... ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/147 "2014-10-23T14:37:48Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > They have them too: > [Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives) > [Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_Senate) Interesting, I did not know that - they even have ceremonial maces. No cool outfits though, just business suits. ☹ ---
**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 23, 2014, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/148 "2014-10-23T14:40:33Z")
Hey, I wear an outfit line that at work sometimes - but without the bicorne hat. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/149 "2014-10-23T14:44:11Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Hey, I wear an outfit line that at work sometimes - but without the bicorne hat. As do I - very occasionally. I think I was in court a grand total of twice last year. 😉 ---
**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 23, 2014, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/150 "2014-10-23T14:46:18Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Guy looks like he should have had a martini in one hand with a girl at his side while he shot the intruder. I think he looks rather shaken because he had to kill someone. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/151 "2014-10-23T14:50:59Z")
The more you read about our Sergeant-at-Arms the more you have to admire the guy. From Wente’s opinion piece today: > [@](#): > > And I learned that I had woefully underestimated our quaint parliamentary traditions. I’d always thought our sergeant-at-arms was just some guy whose job was to re-enact one of our dustier traditions by dressing up in funny clothes and carrying around a mace (whatever that is). Who knew he was also a crack shot? > > But Kevin Vickers, who is 58 and looks it, reportedly can aim and fire with deadly precision when his nation is attacked, then go back into his office to reload. He’ll never brag about it, either. That would be un-Canadian. > > Mr. Vickers is the reason why terrorism doesn’t have a chance in this country. He has made a career of reaching out to Muslims, Sikhs, First Nations, and others who haven’t always been included in this country. When the Idle No More movement marched on Parliament Hill, he formally exchanged tobacco with a First Nations chief and said, “I understand your frustration. I understand the conditions in which you people live and I also understand the importance of tobacco and what it means as not only a gift, but as a sign of respect for your people.” After the Quebec National Assembly banned the kirpan, he made sure the ceremonial dagger would be allowed in the House of Commons. As he told one gathering of Sikhs, he doesn’t like the word “tolerance.” “No,” he said. “As head of security, I am going to accept and embrace your symbol of faith within the Parliamentary Precinct.” > **[Opinion: Terrorists don’t have a chance in this country](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/terrorists-dont-have-a-chance-in-this-country/article21252026/)** > > Canadians are steadfast and a bit phlegmatic. These are among our finest traits. We don’t get that excited, and we won’t be cowed into giving up our freedoms ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/152 "2014-10-23T14:51:22Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I think he looks rather shaken because he had to kill someone. Shaken but not stirred. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/153 "2014-10-23T15:00:39Z")
He needs a cool quip, too. “Your citizenship is revoked,” or hopefully something good. ---
**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 23, 2014, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/154 "2014-10-23T15:01:09Z")
In a 29 year career with the RCMP, ending as a Chief Superintendent, this is apparently the first time he’s fired a gun in the line of duty. [http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2014/10/22/22023901.html](http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2014/10/22/22023901.html) ---
**Author:** ![leahcim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b4bc9f/32.png) [@leahcim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leahcim)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/155 "2014-10-23T15:02:50Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > As a side-note, I’m not sure our American friends in the media have quite realized just how bizzare it is to have the seargent-at-arms personally take down an armed attacker. It is kind of, but not quite, like a guy attacking Buckingham palace and being taken out by one of the guards in the big hats and red coats that normally just stand very still while tourists take pictures with them. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/156 "2014-10-23T15:06:26Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > You don’t, but I’m not suggesting that. You can’t anticipate aliens or the Cheshire Cat. You can anticipate a lone, kamikaze gunman. > > Then WTF were the guards doing there, then? Photo ops for tourists ala Buckingham Palace guards? The Buckingham Palace guards have very modern working weapons. They are active combat units that are rotated through that role. It would surprise me if they didn’t have ammunition. But they are actually part of the security of the facility. I do not have working knowledge of the Canadian memorial but it appears to be similar to the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington. The guards on duty there have ceremonial M-14s. It is obvious that they have no ammo because when they do the ceremonial inspection of the weapon no ammo flies out. But they are not guarding anything except a grave and some concrete. The guard shack is not far away and I wouldn’t doubt the sergeant of the guard has access to working weapons. In the real world it is very rare for soldiers to actually have weapons and ammo when not on the range. ---
**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 23, 2014, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/157 "2014-10-23T15:23:29Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > The guards on duty there have ceremonial M-14s. Why M-14s? The weapon does look very classy. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/158 "2014-10-23T15:35:39Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Hey, I wear an outfit line that at work sometimes - but without the bicorne hat. > [@Malthus](#): > > As do I - very occasionally. I think I was in court a grand total of twice last year. 😉 I’m not into dressing up (well, I’ve never been big on the dressing thing at all), and I don’t wear a suit or a tie at the office. I don’t like having to gown for court and wear what is essentially a blanket that overheats me, snags on objects and keeps needing adjustment, but over the years I’ve grown to appreciate the a significant benefit from robing. I’ve noticed the behaviour of the public is better in the courtrooms and waiting areas when the lawyers are in formal attire. It makes for a better working environment, with fewer interruptions in the courtroom. While I was slowly coming to this conclusion, I was wondering why this was. My question was answered this year after a new courthouse had been erected in my town to hold both the the court for which we gown and the court for which we don’t gown. There is a lot of jurisdictional overlap in my practice area, so I attend at court on substantially similar matters in both courts, using the same law and the same procedure (and yes, unification of the courts in this practice area is moving forward, but is has not arrived in my region yet). The different courts have separate but identical floors in the building – only the coats of arms behind the daises and the colours of the judge’s sashes are different, aside from the lawyers’ attire. The difference in the public’s behaviour between the two courts is still noticeable. On the floors of the court for which we gown, the demeanor of the public is similar to what one would find in the adult section of a library. On the floors of the court for which we don’t down, the demeanor of the public is often disruptive, with loud talking and occasional outbursts. So here I am, admitting that a sartorial embuggerance is actually very helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/159 "2014-10-23T15:41:07Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > He needs a cool quip, too. “Your citizenship is revoked,” or hopefully something good. “Sir, you are out of order”. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/160 "2014-10-23T15:41:08Z")
A special sitting of the House of Commons has given Mr. Vickers a standing ovation: [- YouTube](http://youtu.be/-uB1bz1hCqo) . No doubt about it. Kevin Vickers is a true to life bad-ass who saved Parliament from a terrorist attack. We all owe him. And hats off to the officers who ran toward the gunfire. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149.md?page=9)