Body on steps of legislature forces early shutdown

edmonton The Monday afternoon sitting of the legislature was temporarily adjourned after a body was found on the building ’s front steps.

A person died by suicide after a firearm was discharged on the legislature grounds shortly after 3 p.m.

At 3:12 p.m., Peace River MLA Dan Williams was giving a passionate speech in the legislature in an attempt to keep alive his private members’ bill about health-care workers’ conscience rights.

Speaker Nathan Cooper interrupted Williams, saying, “There is an issue that is important to the assembly.”

He asked MLAS to leave the chamber and go to their lounges, promising an update later. They stood up and made their way out.

Outside, a person wearing blue jeans, colourful socks and a dark jacket was lying immobile near the bottom of the building’s front stone steps. At least a dozen police officers surrounded the body.

“There is no danger to anyone else on scene and the matter has been contained by security and the Edmonton Police Service,” a statement from the Office of the Speaker said shortly before 5 p.m.

Around 5:20 p.m., the office confirmed the assembly would reconvene at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening.

“Saddened by the tragic event that occurred outside the Legislature this afternoon,” Premier Jason Kenney tweeted said in a tweet. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family & loved ones.”

NDP Opposition Leader Rachel Notley echoed his tweet.

“My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual involved in today’s tragic incident,” she said in her own tweet.