Suspect in Rideau Hall breach had ‘several weapons’, to face multiple charges

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The Canadian Armed Forces member arrested after making his way onto Rideau Hall grounds Thursday had “several weapons” with him at the time, Mounties have confirmed.

The RCMP would not provide many details as to who the accused is or why he was there, but multiple reports have identified the suspect as Corey Hurren, a reservist and member of the Canadian Rangers from rural Manitoba.

Watch: RCMP give update and provide timelines of Rideau Hall arrest

“There are many elements that I’m not in a position to speak to as the RCMP’s investigation is ongoing,” Deputy Commissioner Mike Duheme said Friday.

He said a bail hearing was scheduled for Friday morning, and that “the accused will face multiple charges.”

What those charges are has not been revealed, only that more details would be provided once the “RCMP is in a position to do so.”

“I want to stress that there was never any danger to the prime minister and his family, nor to the governor general, as neither were on the grounds at the time of the incident,” Duheme explained.

What the man’s motivations were is not being revealed by the RCMP at this time, and it’s unclear what kind of weapons he was in possession of.

Mounties said a “lone male breached the main pedestrian entrance,” at Rideau Hall around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. The suspect was driving and had reportedly rammed his pick up into the gate, “disabling” the vehicle, from which he got out and proceeded onto the grounds by foot.

“National Capital Commission workers noticed the vehicle breach and notified the Core Commissionaires who are on the site of Rideau Hall, who approached the area and observed the male walking with what appeared to be a firearm,” Duheme said, adding the Rideau Hall Operation Command Centre was notified and the RCMP was called.

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The suspect was spotted by the RCMP, which placed the area on lockdown shortly after the breach.

“At 6:45 a.m., RCMP members engaged discussion with the subject. It was only at 6:53 where the suspect responded and a dialogue ensued,” Duheme explained, adding members “relied on their training and instinct to continue speaking with the subject, with the suspect, until just before 8:30.”

That’s when he was arrested “without any incident.”

Reports suggest Hurren had driven from Manitoba to Ottawa to speak to the prime minister about COVID-19.

The RCMP would not comment on why Hurren was in the capital, and what the suspect may have been doing before he arrived at Rideau Hall. However, when asked whether Mounties believe he was in Ottawa for reasons other than to go to Rideau Hall, Duheme said it was not to his knowledge that he was in Ottawa for another reason.

The RCMP has said security has been increased at Rideau Hall. A review will be done.

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