OTTAWA — Ottawa Police say one of their officers shot a man downtown Tuesday afternoon after responding to a firearms call on a nearby street.
Police said in a statement that at approximately 1:30 p.m. they responded to a firearms call in the Sparks Street area, a short walk from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Centre mall.
Police said they located the individual near the Rideau Centre and, during an interaction, a police officer discharged their firearm and hit the individual.
Police said the individual was transported to hospital in critical condition but is now stable.
No officers were injured and there is no threat to public safety, police said.
They added the Ontario Special Investigations Unit has been contacted.
Police presence was heavy around the mall Tuesday afternoon, and the doors were briefly locked.
Parliamentary Protective Service vehicles were seen speeding to Parliament Hill with sirens blaring.
In a statement, they said the incident posed no threat to the precinct.
Ottawa Police cordoned off an entrance to the mall, but on the inside there was normal foot traffic.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2025.
Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
