Security chief hailed as ‘hero’

OTTAWA: The Canadian parliament's 58-year-old head of security was being hailed as a hero on Wednesday after shooting dead a gunman who stormed the building.
Canadian ministers and lawmakers identified the House of Commons' Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers as the man responsible for firing the shots that brought down the assailant.
Member of Parliament Craig Scott said on Twitter Vickers had slain the gunman just as he approached rooms packed with politicians.
"MPs and Hill staff owe their safety, even lives, to Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, who shot the attacker just outside the MPs' caucus rooms," Scott wrote.
Vickers, a 29-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was appointed sergeant-at-arms in 2006.
The position leaves him in charge of security at the parliamentary buildings.
He also carries the mace, the symbol of parliamentary authority, during formal proceedings and ceremonies.
Canada's minister of justice Peter Mackay named Vickers in a post on Twitter following the shoot-out drama.
"To all in Ottawa, stay safe & strong. Thank God for Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers & our security forces. True heroes," he wrote.
Canadian minister of veteran affairs Julian Fantino also identified Vickers in a post.
"I am safe & profoundly grateful to Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers & our security forces for selfless act of keeping us safe," he wrote.
Senator Linda Frum responded to a tweet identifying Vickers as the man who had brought the shoot-out to a bloody conclusion with one word: "Hero."
Several journalists also praised Vickers, with CTV News broadcaster Mercedes Stephenson remarking: "Heroic actions by Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers today. He saved lives."
CBC reporter Kady O'Malley added: "Remind me to hug Kevin Vickers next time I see him." – AFP