Guard hailed as hero in Ottawa shootings gets standing ovation in Parliament

A Canadian sergeant-at-arms received a standing ovation and thunderous applause from Parliament members in Ottawa Thursday, a day after the guard reportedly shot the gunman who ambushed the Parliament building in Ottawa on Wednesday.

Government officials credited Kevin Vickers with shooting the attacker just outside the MPs' caucus rooms. Vickers serves a largely ceremonial role at the House of Commons, carrying a mace and wearing rich green robes, white gloves and a tall imperial hat.

Members of Parliament gave the 58-year-old Vickers a rousing standing ovation for saving their lives as Parliament resumed Thursday morning.

As Vickers walked into the House of Commons his lips quivered in emotion and he acknowledged the lengthy ovation.

"I am very touched by the attention directed at me following yesterday's events," Vickers said in a statement. "As this is an ongoing investigation, I unfortunately cannot comment any further at this time."

After addressing lawmakers Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper crossed the floor to shake Vickers' hand and hug him.

Other political leader praised Vickers and his security team.

"The courage and professionalism they showed in the face of such brutality embodies what is the best in what it means to be Canadian," said opposition leader Thomas Mulcair.

Harper urged members of Parliament to seek medical help if they are suffering stress from Wednesday's attack in an uncharacteristic personal speech.

"Here we are in our seats, in our chamber in the very heart of our democracy, at work" Harper said. "We will not be intimidated."

Earlier Harper visited the National War Memorial where the soldier was killed to lay a wreath. A man was detained by police near where Harper put down the wreath. Police said the man tried to breach the crime scene and thought there would be minor charges if he's charged.