08-07-2025
Ottawa police called to physical ‘incident' at city hall security area
The sign outside City Hall in Ottawa (CTV News Ottawa)
Police were called to a physical incident between security and a visitor at Ottawa City Hall Tuesday morning.
The Ottawa Police Service says it was called to the Laurier Avenue West building shortly after 10 a.m. after receiving reports that security personnel had detained an individual.
In a statement, the City of Ottawa says the incident started at the entrance of the building where security gates were recently introduced for visitors wishing to enter city hall.
The incident involved 'physical contact' and was witnessed by several bystanders, the city says.
'This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing concern for public safety,' said an emailed statement from the City of Ottawa's director of public safety service Beth Gooding.
'At this time, an internal investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances, and we are taking the matter seriously.'
Ottawa police say no arrests were made.
The city announced new security measures for all visitors wishing to enter the building in May, requiring members of the public to have their bags checked and to go through a metal detector.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said at the time the additional measures were required because of increased incidents threatening political leaders and major landmarks around the world.
