UPDATE: Parliament Hill reopens following police investigation into ‘suspicious incident’

Ottawa police's investigation into a “suspicious incident” on Parliament Hill on Saturday, June 11 is now complete.

While the threat has not been identified, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) assures there is no threat to the public.

The suspicious incident investigation at Parliament Hill is complete. No public safety threat has been identified. The area is reopened to the public. We thank the public for its cooperation.

— OPS Operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022

In a follow-up news release, OPS said it responded to reports of a potential threat.

However, officers found no risk to the public.

“In co-ordination with security and policing partners, officers began to clear the area, closing streets to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Two vehicles of interest and two persons of interest were located,” OPS said in a news release Saturday afternoon. “Following an investigation, no public safety threat was identified.”

The investigation continues and no other details about the persons or vehicles of interest were given.

Police also did not divulge if there were any arrests or charges.

At around 1:30 p.m., Ottawa police were urging the public to avoid Parliament Hill due to an ongoing police operation.

According to an announcement made on the Ottawa Police Service’s (OPS) Duty Operations account, people had been evacuated from the hill due to a possible threat.

Due to an ongoing Police Investigation at Parliament Hill. We are asking the public to stay away from the area. Wellington Rd is closed between Bronson and Elgin Metcalfe is closed between Albert and Slater.

— OPS Operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022

An update statement issued shortly before 3 p.m. from OPS said police continued to investigate a “suspicious incident” in the area of Parliament Hill.

Police continue to investigate a suspicious incident in the area of Parliament Hill. Multiple streets are closed and there is a large police presence. Do not enter the area. Follow the direction of the officers. #ottawapolice

— OPS Operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022

Police will advise when the matter has been fully investigated and the area cleared. #ottawapolice

— OPS Operations (@DutyInspector) June 11, 2022

Wellington Road was closed between Bronson and Elgin, while Metcalfe is closed between Albert and Slater.

While Ottawa Paramedics were unable to provide details Saturday afternoon, they did confirm they were on Parliament Hill, but did not have any patients in their care as of 2:50 p.m.

In a statement issued at 3:10 p.m. by the Parliamentary Protective Service to CityNews, the service said an alert was sent out earlier in the via the Emergency Notification System (ENS) to all parliamentarians and parliamentary employees by the service regarding an operation that was underway “with a possible threat.”

“All Parliamentary buildings are in Shelter in Place until further notice and Parliament Hill has been evacuated,” the service continued. “As the situation is ongoing, our highest priority continues to be the safety of the parliamentary community and the public. We continue to work closely with our security partners.”

CityNews has reached out to the OPS for further comment.

As of the time of publication, CityNews has not heard back.