Canada shooting: MPs applaud sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers a day after parliament shooting

24 Oct 2014,

Canada's parliament has reopened with a standing ovation for its sergeant-at-arms, a day after he shot dead a gunman who killed a soldier and stormed the building.

Under tight security, politicians returned to the city's Parliament Hill complex, where prime minister Stephen Harper told parliament the Canadian government would "be vigilant" to threats but "not run scared".

"We will always stand together," Mr Harper said, vowing to push on with tougher security laws.

"They need to be much strengthened, and I assure you, Mr Speaker, that work which is already underway will be expedited."

Members of parliament rose to their feet in applause for sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers, who put aside his ceremonial duties to draw a firearm and take down a gunman, reported to be 32-year-old Michael Zehaf-Bibeau.

Ministers and lawmakers have praised Mr Vickers as a "hero" for stopping Zehaf-Bibeau as he approached rooms packed with politicians on Wednesday.

Earlier members of parliament gathered at the national war memorial to honour soldier Nathan Cirillo, who was shot while standing guard at the site.

House speaker Andrew Scheer said the return to parliament "sends a clear message of Canada's resolve to maintain its free and democratic way of life".

Queen Elizabeth sent a message to the governor-general of Canada saying: "Prince Philip and I were shocked and saddened by the events in Ottawa... Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."

The flag flying over parliament's Centre Block, where the gunman burst in on Wednesday morning, is being flown at half mast.

US officials said Zehaf-Bibeau was a Canadian convert to Islam. Court documents show he previously faced a robbery charge in Vancouver and multiple drug-related charges in Montreal.