The head of the Calgary Police Service says he was saddened but not surprised by Wednesday's tragedy in the nation’s capital as threats against Canada have become commonplace.
Cpl. Nathan Frank Cirillo, a soldier standing guard at the war memorial in Ottawa, was fatally shot Wednesday morning. Kevin Vickers, the sergeant-at-arms for the House of Commons, later shot the gunman in the main entrance of the Centre Block.
“Responsibility for investigating national terror falls under RCMP and CSIS,” said CPS Chief Rick Hanson on Wednesday afternoon. “I want to reassure you the CPS is in contact with partner agencies to assess and respond to any and all threats.”
“Calgary’s at no higher risk than any other city. We are very much aware the spotlight’s on Calgary, but I would say Calgary’s not at any higher risk.”
According to Chief Hanson, on October 16, the national threat level was raised to medium. Despite the downgrade in perceived safety, Hanson says there’s no reason Calgarians should be more concerned than they were weeks or months ago.
“We were prepared yesterday, we’re prepared today and we’ll be prepared tomorrow,” said Chief Hanson of the force. “We’ve been aware of this risk for a long time.”
Nearly a decade ago, Al-Qaeda identified Canada as one of its five primary countries that they intended to attack. In the last few weeks, ISIL members have expressed their intentions to harm Canadians.
Chief Hanson asks Calgarians to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234.
With files from CTVNews.ca
