On May 8, 1984, Corporal Denis Lortie, a disgruntled member of the Canadian Armed Forces, launched an armed assault inside the Quebec National Assembly in Quebec City. Lortie entered the Assembly, equipped with a semi-automatic rifle, and began firing indiscriminately. The chaotic scene led to widespread panic as legislators scrambled for safety. By the end of the attack, three people had lost their lives and thirteen others were wounded, making it one of the most violent incidents in the Assembly's history. Lortie's motives were rooted in a mix of personal grievances and a broader discontent with governmental policies, reflecting a sense of alienation that certain individuals felt towards the political system at the time. René Jalbert, serving as the Sergeant-at-Arms, was pivotal in managing the crisis. With remarkable courage and composure, he engaged Lortie in conversation, striving to calm him down during the horrific ordeal. Jalbert's skillful negotiation ultimately contributed to Lortie's surrender, averting further bloodshed. For his exemplary bravery, he was later awarded the Cross of Valour, Canada’s highest civilian honour for acts of bravery. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the community and sparked discussions surrounding security measures within government buildings and the mental health of individuals serving in the military.