Van attack spurs moment of silence, praise for police in House

The House of Commons observed a moment of silence in tribute to the victims of Monday’s van attack on pedestrians in Toronto. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer called the police officer who arrested the suspect “brave.” (April 24, 2018) 1. SOUNDBITE: Andrew Scheer, Conservative leader 2. SOUNDBITE: Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House PLACELINE: Ottawa CREDIT: The Canadian Press STORYLINE: Members of Parliament bowed their heads in silence and the flag atop the Peace Tower flew at half-mast Tuesday as the House of Commons and its denizens paid tribute to the victims of a "horrific" and "senseless" tragedy in Canada's most populous city. MPs from both sides of the aisle stood to deliver statements of condolence for the impacted families and praise for first responders, most notably the Toronto police officer who took down the perpetrator following a dramatic confrontation captured on video by a bystander. "On a peaceful, sunny day in spring, we saw it marred by senseless brutality, taking the lives of 10 innocent people and sending many more to hospital," said Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. "We have all by now seen how this cowardly attacker was confronted and subdued by a single brave Toronto police officer, exemplifying the best of Toronto's first responders."