WASHINGTON, October 22 (RIA Novosti) – US President Barack Obama has expressed solidarity with Canada on behalf of all Americans in the wake of this week's attacks in Quebec and Ottawa, the White House said in a statement Wednesday.
"President Obama spoke by phone with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to express the American people's solidarity with Canada in the wake of attacks on Canadian Forces in Quebec on October 20 and in Ottawa on October 22," the statement said.
"President Obama condemned these outrageous attacks, and reaffirmed the close friendship and alliance between our people," the statement added, noting that Obama also offered "any assistance" Canada required in responding to the attacks.
Earlier on Wednesday, a soldier, who was standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, was shot by an unidentified gunman. The soldier died, following the shooting and a suspected attacker had been shot and killed, according to police.
Local media reported that gunshots were also fired Wednesday in the Canadian Parliament building and a mall in downtown Ottawa.
On Monday, two members of the Canadian Armed Forces were attacked in the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec. One of the soldiers died after the hit-and-run, while the other sustained less severe injuries.
Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Steven Blaney said Tuesday that the attack was linked to terrorism.
