White House officials said that President Obama had been briefed on the shooting earlier Wednesday near Canada’s Parliament building but were “not aware” of additional security measures implemented in the U.S. following the deadly attack.
A man opened fire at Ottawa’s National War Memorial Wednesday morning, authorities said, killing at least one soldier. Police are investigating shootings at the Parliament building, war memorial and a nearby shopping center but have not said whether multiple gunmen are involved.
The White House on Wednesday offered condolences to its Canadian counterparts and said that Obama had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest was hesitant to offer additional comments on the shooting amid the investigation in Ottawa.
“I’m not in a position to render a judgment on that at this point,” Earnest said when asked whether U.S. officials had labeled the shooting a terrorist attack.
Obama’s top spokesman also said he was not aware of any additional security measures taken at the White House following the shooting.
