Washington, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on today’s deadly shootings in Ottawa, Canada:

“I am deeply troubled by the attack that took place earlier today in Ottawa, Canada.  This was an attack against the heart of Canada’s government, an attack against Canadian democracy.  I send my condolences to the family of the soldier who was shot and killed while serving as a guard at Canada’s National War Memorial by an apparent jihadist.  Canadian armed forces have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. servicemen and women for decades in defense of freedom.  Canadian armed forces today are key partners in combating brutal terrorists in Iraq.  I also want to express my condolences to the relatives of the Canadian soldier who was killed earlier this week in a hit-and-run terrorist attack.  Even though many facts surrounding today’s attack remain unknown, it’s clear that those who cherish free and open societies must be constantly vigilant.   The U.S. and Canada must increase our already substantial counterterrorism cooperation.”

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