Ottawa shootings: Videos, photos capture chaotic scene, aftermath

A chaotic scene unfolded Wednesday in downtown Ottawa, where a series of shootings left at least two people dead, including a soldier and suspected gunman, officials said.

The incidents began shortly before 10 a.m. when a uniformed soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial was shot by an unknown assailant armed with what witnesses described as a high-powered rifle. The soldier was killed.

A short time later, gunfire erupted inside a parliament building, where a male gunman was confirmed killed. A video published by the Toronto Globe and Mail showed police in pursuit of the suspect as shots rang out inside the halls of Parliament Hill's Centre Block.

A photo tweeted from inside Parliament shows a stack of chairs being used to block the door of the Caucus Room where many lawmakers were assembled.

There were initial reports of shots fired outside the Rideau Centre Mall, but Ottawa Police later said no shooting incidents occurred there. The mall, Parliament Hill and several schools were placed on lockdown. Wednesday night's NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators was canceled as police worked to clear the downtown streets.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene.