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10:07 a.m. “We have few details but a male has apparently been shot at the national war memorial in Ottawa. This may be a soldier. We are working,” Craig Oldham, director general of the Government Operations Centre, writes in a mass email.

10:15 a.m. “PM now left Hill. PCO relocated to alternative site. Unsure of number of potential shooters, status or location,” reads a mass email sent by Mr. Guimont.

10:19 a.m. A message goes out to employees: “A situation is unfolding that compels all employees to shelter-in-place. For employees’ and your own safety, pleased DO NOT exit the building until further notice. Please wait to receive further instructions.”

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10:20 a.m. “Suspect shot and down inside house of commons. Unconfirmed … will confirm …” Commissioner Paulson writes Mr. Guimont and Mr. Rigby.

10:21 a.m. “Ottawa Police telling us that suspect has been shot on the Hill. Possible second suspect in Library – not confirmed. Hill is in lockdown. Identity of victim is not yet confirmed to be military,” Mr. Guimont writes.

10:27 a.m. – 10:32 a.m.

“Are you guys locked down?” Matthew King, deputy minister Fisheries and Oceans, writes to Mr. Guimont.

“Yes-you?” Mr. Guimont responds.

“Yes. Crazy-ass sh-t.”

“Unbelievable.”

“That it is.”

11:05 a.m. “Federal IT systems are overwhelmed, it seems. One shooter confirmed down but not deceased. Second shooter is reported active on Hill or in area,” Mr. Guimont writes.

12:11 p.m. “OPS [Ottawa Police] are stating shootings were War Memorial, Parliament and now Rideau Centre. One shooter is dead. No certainty about other numbers. GOC [Government Operations Centre] is coord with PCO/TBS with regard to lockdown of employees. OPS have also asked GOC to ensure employees stay inside and asked GOC to be their point of contact for when the lockdown can be lifted. We are also messaging OGD [other government departments] to tell employees to not use any mobile devices unless they have an urgent operational reason to do so,” Mr. Oldham writes.