Thomas Mulcair's statement on the shooting of Cpl Nathan Cirillo

The following is a transcript of Offical Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair's statement on the events on Capital Hill today.

I’m here tonight in solidarity, side by side with our Prime Minister and with all Canadians.

This attack struck with sudden and deadly violence.

It was carried out on the very ground where we come together to exchange ideas with the knowledge that whatever our differences are, we will resolve them peacefully.

It was intended to make us fearful of our neighbours and less confident in ourselves but it has failed.

Today’s events, in fact, have only succeeded in drawing us closer and making us stronger.

And, to the brave women and men of law enforcement, our security services and our Canadian Forces, I want to say that your determination, your professionalism and, indeed, your heroism today will not soon be forgotten.

Just as we have all born witness to these horrific acts, we have watched in awe your acts of courage, now an abiding emblem of Canadian strength, values and valor.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone here in our nation’s capital are with the families and loved ones of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, the Canadian Forces member from Hamilton, Ontario, who lost his life this morning – the second in just a few days.

Corporal Cirillo was literally standing on guard at a monument dedicated to the sacrifice of others who came before him.

To his family and friends, I tell you that 35 million Canadians, at home and abroad, from coast to coast to coast and around the world, stand with you tonight and we will not forget.

In this moment, Canadians are unified in grief and stricken with disbelief.

Canada is shaken today but we shall not waiver.

We woke up this morning in a country blessed by love, diversity and peace and tomorrow we will do the same.

These acts were driven by hatred but also designed to drive us to hate.

They will not.

We will stand up and we will stand together.

We will persevere and we will prevail.

Good evening.