On this day, in a shocking act of political violence, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau attacked the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa. Starting his actions at the National War Memorial, he fatally shot Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was standing guard. Following the shooting, Zehaf-Bibeau entered the nearby Parliament buildings, where MPs and staff were in session. The chaotic scene led to a lockdown, with Members of Parliament barricading themselves in offices. During the attack, Zehaf-Bibeau exchanged gunfire with security personnel, resulting in injuries to three other individuals. The entire episode unfolded in a matter of minutes but left a lasting mark on the nation's psyche.

The motivations behind Zehaf-Bibeau's actions were later explored, suggesting a mix of radicalization and personal struggles with mental health. He was known to have held extremist views, and prior to the attack, he had been in and out of the legal system due to various offenses. The event prompted discussions about national security, the impact of radicalization, and the mental health of individuals with extremist beliefs. Additionally, security measures at Parliament and other government locations were reassessed in the wake of the attack as the Canadian government sought to bolster defenses against future incidents.

After the attack, tributes were made to Cpl. Cirillo, recognizing his service and sacrifice. His funeral saw thousands of Canadians paying their respects, highlighting the solidarity and strength of the nation in the face of such violence. The event underscored the importance of addressing issues related to domestic terrorism and the need for a more comprehensive understanding of radicalization in Canada. In response to the situation, the government implemented new security protocols, indicative of the larger global conversation about protecting public spaces from similar threats.