Ottawa: Canada's capital was jolted on Wednesday by the fatal shooting of a soldier and an attack on Parliament building in which gunshots were fired outside a room where Prime Minister Stephen Harper was speaking.
The gunman shot and killed a soldier at Canada`s National War Memorial before apparently opening fire inside the parliament.
Police later confirmed a suspected attacker had been shot dead and Harper was safely removed.
Here is a chronology of the drama that unfolded on the streets of the Canadian capital:
9:52 am (1352 GMT): A shooter opens fire at two soldiers at the National War Memorial. One soldier is hit by bullets and seriously injured. He receives treatment at the scene before being rushed to hospital.
9:55 am: Dozens of shots ring out inside the nearby parliament building. In video footage released later, a loud bang is heard before police swarm down a corridor returning fire.
10:00 am: Police warn of a second "active shooter" in parliament.
10:04 am: Witnesses say the gunman who opened fire at the war memorial had headed towards the parliament.
10:12 am: Parliament is put on lockdown.
10:25 am: Royal Canadian Mounted Police advise the public to stay away from buildings or offices where lawmakers work.
10:37 am: Prime Minister Stephen Harper is evacuated from parliament. A general evacuation gets under way as a wide security perimeter is set up around parliament and surrounding streets.
10:40 am: Police warn that a gunman remains at large and staff in Harper`s office are informed that "active shooters" are threatening parliament.
10:53 am: Police ask people in the downtown area to stay away from windows and rooftops and to avoid the area completely.
11:20 am: Police confirm the death of an attacker inside the parliament building.
11:45 am: Officials confirm that the soldier shot by the war memorial has succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after 12:15 pm: US and Canadian air defenses are put on heightened alert.
1:50 pm: US President Barack Obama speaks to Harper, according to the White House.
2:15 pm: Police say the operation is still ongoing as they attempt to identify the suspect.
2:30 pm: Harper condemns a "despicable attack" and says he will address the nation later Wednesday.
(With Agency Inputs)
