Chaotic Scene Inside Canadian Parliament Building by dailysikhupdates
23 October, 2014: Today’s Guardian states the man being hailed as a hero for reportedly shooting a gunman in Canada’s national parliament is Kevin Vickers, who, as the holder of the post of sergeant-at-ams, is officially responsible for safety and security within the grounds of the building.
The Guardian continues:
He spoke publicly last year of how he viewed Canada and his role after he was honoured by Sikhs when he moved to ensure that the community’s sacred kirpan dagger was allowed in Canada’s legislature in the face of a motion by Quebec nationalists calling for its prohibition.
“I see your wearing of the kirpan, especially in our parliamentary buildings, as exactly that, respecting your dignity,” he told members of the World Sikh Organization of Canada.
“But just as the kirpan issue came before us last winter, we are reminded how vigilant we must be to not only defend but promote the practices, cultures and religions of all peoples.
“I am going to tolerate you wearing the kirpan within the Parliamentary Precinct. No. As head of security, I am going to accept and embrace your symbol of faith within the Parliamentary Precinct,” he said.