Armed man arrested after gaining access to Rideau Hall grounds, police say

Police have arrested a man who they say was armed and had gained access to the grounds at Rideau Hall early Wednesday morning.

Police were called to the area around 6:40 a.m. after the man accessed 1 Sussex Dr., RCMP said in a tweet.

Rideau Hall is the Governor General’s official residence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family are also staying on the property at Rideau Cottage.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed to CBC News that the prime minister and his family were not at Rideau Cottage Wednesday night or Thursday morning. RCMP said the Governor General wasn’t present either. In a statement to CBC, the Governor General’s office said all staff were safe.

There was visible damage to one of the gates leading to the property.

Police said the man was arrested without incident and is being interviewed.

Peter Lewis lives near Rideau Hall and was cycling along the Vanier Parkway just before 7 a.m. ET when he saw “a stream” of RCMP vehicles heading toward downtown. He then saw what he described as an armoured police vehicle.

“It’s a little concerning,” he said. “I hope everybody’s all right.”

CBC