OTTAWA—Const. Samearn Son is a familiar face to those who pass through the doors of Parliament Hill and he was also right there when a stranger charged in carrying a weapon.

The House of Commons security guard tried to take the rifle away from Michael Zehaf-Bibeau as he entered the building through the main door below the Peace Tower on Wednesday morning after having already fatally shot Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial minutes earlier.

Son was shot in the leg — the bullet hole in the carpet still visible at the feet of his colleague standing guard the next day — and is now being hailed as another hero in the efforts to stop the gunman.

“By slowing him down and doing what he could without arms to stop the guy, he gave everyone else the time that was needed in order to get their weaponry out and to try to take him on,” NDP MP Craig Scott (Toronto—Danforth) told reporters Thursday morning.

His wife, Nora, told the Star her husband has been released from hospital and is doing well.

“He’s doing good. He’s just resting and wanting some privacy right now,” she said.

Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, who was also lauded for shooting the perpetrator, mentioned Son in a statement thanking his colleagues for their work responding to the situation.

“During extraordinary circumstances, security personnel demonstrated professionalism and courage. I am grateful and proud to be part of this team,” said Vickers.

“Our thoughts are also with Const. Samearn Son, who has been with the House of Commons Security Services for 10 years. Const. Son suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. He is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery,” Vickers said.

Scott said he wants to write Son a letter to let him know that his everyday work does not go unnoticed.

“We actually don’t take you guys for granted,” Scott told reporters when asked what he wanted to tell Son.

“We really realize how special and important you are and your low-key presence in our security is always appreciated and yesterday you stepped up to the plate and we’re really grateful,” Scott said.

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