UPDATE: Authorities have identified the man arrested at Rideau Hall as Corey Hurren.
The armed individual arrested after breaching Rideau Hall security is an active duty member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
According to reports, the man drove from Manitoba, with a long-gun and a note in his possession. He is a member of the Canadian Rangers.
He drove his truck through the front gates.
Authorities originally claimed that the man was arrested without incident. However, later reports indicate that he made his way up the driveway and into the greenhouse connected to the Governor General’s residence. He was apprehended there, about two hours after he breached the gate.
UPDATED INFO:
The man has been identified as Corey Hurren, who meat business called GrindHouse Fine Foods. Hurren is a Royal Canadian Artillery Veteran, who had since gone back into the military, this time joining the Rangers.
A photo of Hurren can be viewed below:
According to a Facebook post allegedly from Hurren, he expressed concern over the damage being done to the economy by the Coronavirus pandemic, saying “I’m not sure what will be left of our economy, industries and businesses when this all ends.”
There are also reports Hurren had expressed concern over his own business situation.
The Rideau Hall complex is the residence of both the PM and the Governor General, due to the extensive renovations underway at the PM’s official residence.
There appear to have been no injuries.
Here’s the information shared by the RCMP:
“(1/2) At approximately 6:40 this morning, an armed man was able to access the grounds of 1 Sussex Drive. The Prime Minister and the Governor General were not present at the moment of the incident.”
(1/2) At approximately 6:40 this morning, an armed man was able to access the grounds of 1 Sussex Drive. The Prime Minister and the Governor General were not present at the moment of the incident.
— National Division RCMP (@Nat_Div_RCMP) July 2, 2020
“(2/2)The man was arrested shortly after without any incident. He is currently in custody and is being interviewed. We are not releasing his identity at this time as charges are pending.”
(2/2)The man was arrested shortly after without any incident. He is currently in custody and is being interviewed. We are not releasing his identity at this time as charges are pending.
— National Division RCMP (@Nat_Div_RCMP) July 2, 2020
Clearly, security needs to be strengthened:
“Canada must increase security funding for our top officials. Regardless of whether we like them or not, security is clearly way too lax and must be toughened up.”
https://twitter.com/SpencerFernando/status/1278786771019431936
Spencer Fernando
Photo – YouTube
