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‘Hero’ who stopped Ottawa shooter has proud family in Victoria

The mother of the sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons praised by politicians as a hero after he shot dead a gunman during a rampage on Parliament Hill isn’t surprised by her son’s courage.

The mother of the sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons praised by politicians as a hero after he shot dead a gunman during a rampage on Parliament Hill isn’t surprised by her son’s courage.

“They were very fortunate to have Kevin Michael Vickers in Parliament Hill today,” Monica Vickers, 87, told the Times Colonist in a phone interview from the family home in Miramichi, N.B.

“Kevin would never shrink from his duty.”

Vickers, 58, is a decorated retired 29-year veteran of the RCMP and a talented sharpshooter.

“We got Kevin his first gun before he was 10 years old to go shoot partridge,” said his mother. “We always had guns behind the kitchen door. At the same time, guns were treated with great respect.”


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Vickers shot a gunman inside the Hall of Honour, the main entrance to the Centre Block beneath the Peace Tower, during a shooting rampage in which at least two people were injured, including a security guard, the Canadian Press reported.

At the time, members of Parliament were in caucus meetings.

The sergeant-at-arms’ brother John Vickers, executive director of the Victoria International Buskers Festival, said he’s tremendously proud.

“It was such an act of bravery,” Vickers said. “He didn’t just go to work for the job. He went to work for the nation. That’s been his story from day one.

“We’re relieved he’s safe and sound.”

The gunman is believed to have moved up the street to Parliament Hill after fatally shooting a Canadian soldier at the National War Memorial at 9:52 a.m. Eastern Time.

The Vickers family — four sons and one daughter spread across Canada and the United States — watched the drama unfold on their televisions.

John Vickers said his brother has risked his life throughout his distinguished career but that the shooting in the nation’s capital was sobering.

“To be frank, I was really worried for all of those with loved ones in the House of Commons this morning and I knew Kevin would be in the thick of it,” he said. “Then to hear he was the gentleman who shot the suspect ...”

Everyone from Defence Minister Peter MacKay to Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino praised Vickers for keeping parliamentarians safe Wednesday.

“To all in Ottawa, stay safe & strong. Thank God for Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers & our Cdn security forces. True heroes…” MacKay tweeted.

Green party leader and Saanich Gulf-Islands MP Elizabeth May said Vickers may look as if he merely plays a ceremonial role — carrying the mace with sword and archaic costume — but he is a consummate security professional. “His bravery today is no surprise to anyone who knows him.”

Vickers was appointed to the historic position of sergeant-at-arms in 2006, a year after he joined the House of Commons as director of security operations.

The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for the safety and security of the Parliament buildings and controls access to the House of Commons.

Monica Vickers said her son is highly regarded as a negotiator who is ready to listen.

In 2011, Vickers was honoured by the Canadian branch of the World Sikh Organization for his decision that Sikh members of Parliament could wear their kirpans in the House.

“He’s always been out for the betterment of man, never judgmental,” said his mother. “If you didn’t have a dime or if you had millions, he treats everyone the same.”

ceharnett@timescolonist.com