Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. PM: Canada 'Will Never Be Intimidated' by Terrorists by VOA News Canada's prime minister says that his country "will never be intimidated" following attacks this week in Ottawa and near Montreal that have killed two soldiers. In a televised address Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the attacks are reminders that Canada is not immune to terrorism and vowed to "redouble" efforts to identify and counter threats. Harper spoke hours after a gunman fatally shot Corporal Nathan Cirillo as the soldier guarded the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Witnesses said the shooter appeared to raise his arms in triumph before entering Canada's parliament building nearby and firing more rounds. Lawmakers barricaded themselves in offices while outside, the city streets came to a standstill. Gunman identified Little is known about the assailant, identified as ex-convict Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, 32, who was fatally shot inside parliament by Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers. According to those present, many fled the complex by scrambling down scaffolding erected for renovations, while others took cover inside and barricaded doors with chairs as police with rifles and body armor took up positions outside and cordoned off the normally bustling streets around Parliament. Police and witnesses, including parliament members, said they heard about 10 shots before the police moved in. "I literally, I was just taking off my jacket to go into caucus. I hear this pop, pop, pop. Possibly 10 shots, don't really know. Thought it was dynamite or construction rather than anything else," said John McKay, a Liberal MP. ''Shots also were fired at a shopping mall near the parliament. All three shooting sites - the war memorial, the parliament and the mall - are less than a kilometer from each other. On Twitter, Canada's justice minister and other government officials credited Vickers, 58, with shooting the attacker just outside the lawmakers' caucus rooms. Vickers serves a largely ceremonial role at the House of Commons, carrying a scepter and wearing rich green robes, white gloves and a tall imperial hat. Terrorist link Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, in a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, appeared to link the attack to Canada's participation in the U.S.-led air campaign against the Islamic State group. Earlier this week, a man whom the prime minister described as a Muslim convert who had been "radicalized" drove a car into two Canadian soldiers in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about 40 kilometers southeast of Montreal, killing one. President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Prime Minister Harper after Wednesday's attacks and said it was important for U.S. and Canadian counterterrorism authorities to continue working in sync. Obama condemned the attacks on Canadian forces, and offered any U.S. assistance Canada needs in responding to the situation to the prime minister. Obama said the U.S. is monitoring the Canadian situation and will do everything it can to protect the American people. The United States has boosted security at its embassy in Canada. The State Department said all embassy employees have been accounted for. "We are currently restricting the movement of embassy personnel, as a cautionary measure," said Marie Harf, State Department deputy spokesperson. Canadian authorities have yet to determine the motive for the Wednesday shooting, which came as Canadian warplanes prepared to join the U.S.-led operation bombarding Islamist militants in Iraq. '''' __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/canada-parliament-shooting-terrorist- attack/2493355.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/canada-parliament-shooting-terrorist-attack/2493355.html