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Hayes: 'We thought we were going to die'

Bryan Hayes says he clutched a flag pole as a weapon and huddled with other Conservative MPs for an hour before learning what had happened during yesterday’s shooting and lockdown in the nation’s capital.

Bryan Hayes says he clutched a flag pole as a weapon and huddled with other Conservative MPs for an hour before learning what had happened during yesterday’s shooting and lockdown in the nation’s capital.

Hayes said MPs, who were gathered for a regular caucus meeting, acted quickly when they heard gunshots, blockading the doors and removing provincial flags that adorn the wall of the room where their meeting was being held in Parliament Hill’s Centre Block.

“We took those posts down . . . we were all armed to the best of our ability,” said Hayes, in a phone interview from Ottawa this morning.

“We thought we were going to die. It’s really that simple,” said Hayes.

Michael Zehaf Bibeau has been identified by authorities as the shooter who is suspected of shooting and killing Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a reservist from Hamilton who was standing guard at the National War Memorial.

Authorities say Zehaf Bibeau then attacked Parliament, where he was killed in a gunfight in the Centre Block.

Hayes was under lockdown and did not witness the gunfight, but he praised the actions of sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers who is credited with saving lives by shooting the assailant.

He also offered his condolences to Cirillo’s family, and the security guard who was injured in the attack.

Hayes said MPs quickly realized they were in danger when shots started to ring out.

“It sounded like semi-automatic gun going off in the hallway and we knew we were under attack,” he said.

He said MPs with military and police backgrounds acted quickly.

“We were prepared to battle. It was like a calm terror. That’s the best way to describe it.”

Hayes said he will leave the assessment of Parliament Security measures up to the government officials.

Hayes said yesterday’s events have left him with a heightened sense of his own mortality and regard for his safety and that of his family members and staff.

He said he appreciated the concern for he and his staff shown by Saultites.

“I want Sault Ste. Marie to know how much I appreciate your support,” said Hayes.

with files from Canadian Press.

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Previous SooToday coverage of this story:

Sergeant-at-arms credited for saving lives

Breaking: Thomas Mulcair addresses the nation (update)

(PHOTO: Bryan Hayes is pictured in a file photo.)

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Mike Purvis

About the Author: Mike Purvis

Michael Purvis is a writer, photographer and editor. He serves as managing editor of Village Media
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