Sergeant-at-arms hailed as hero in Ottawa shooting

The sergeant-at-arms of Canada's House of Commons is being called a hero for reportedly shooting the gunman who ambushed the Parliament building in Ottawa on Wednesday.

Government officials say Kevin Vickers shot the attacker just outside the caucus rooms where members of parliament were meeting.

The 58-year-old is a former police officer who worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for nearly three decades. He became the head of security at the House of Commons in 2005 and was appointed sergeant-at-arms the following year.

Vickers is being praised by politicians for "selflessly keeping them safe."

On Twitter, Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General Peter MacKay called Vickers and other security forces "true heroes."

Politician Glenn Thibeault said Vickers was the "nicest guy you'll ever meet."

Vickers serves a largely ceremonial role at the House of Commons, carrying a scepter and wearing rich green robes, white gloves and a tall imperial hat.