Kevin Vickers hailed as hero for springing into action against Parliament Hill shooter

Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers carries the mace from the House of Commons at the end of a session in 2011. Vickers, the man who is reported to have shot an assailant on Parliament Hill, is a former police officer with a background in providing security services for dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family. Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Kevin Vickers, the House of Commons sergeant-at-arms, is being hailed as a hero after reportedly shooting an armed gunman inside the Centre Block of Parliament on Wednesday.

The role of sergeant-at-arms is usually thought of as largely ceremonial and Vickers is best known for carrying an enormous golden mace into the House of Commons before each sitting, but on a day filled with fear and panic, the 58-year-old Vickers reminded Canadians that he is also chief of security on Parliament Hill. According to numerous journalists and politicians who were there, Vickers is the man who shot the gunman dead and thereby prevented future possible injuries or fatalities.

The suspect, whom police have not yet identified, had earlier shot a shot and killed a soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial nearby before driving to Parliament Hill’s Centre Block and storming the building. It is here that security caught up with the man, with dozens of shots fired at the intruder.

A video filmed by Globe and Mail reporter Josh Wingrove shows security officers exchanging fire with him in a hallway normally filled with MPs, journalists and others working on Parliament Hill.

After taking down the shooter, Vickers reportedly returned to his office to reload his weapon, preparing for further confrontations.

Vickers is a 29-year veteran of the RCMP and has been sergeant-at-arms in the House of Commons since 2006.

The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for safeguarding the authority of the House of Commons, as well as the safety and security of the Parliament Buildings. Vickers has also provided security for the Queen and Prince Andrew on royal trips to Canada.