Nathan Cirillo, aged 24, has been identified as the soldier killed by a gunman at the National War Memorial in an attack on Canada’s capital, Ottawa.
He was a Ceremonial Guard: A soldier intended to feature in the background of photographs, not to fight terrorists. He died after being gunned down in the heart of Canada’s parliamentary precinct.
When gunfire was heard shortly after 9.30am Ottawa time, visitors and employees saw the man — in full dress uniform — collapse to the ground.
Video and social media images show how people rushed to Cirillo, who was crumpled against the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to attempt to stem the blood and apply CPR.
He died several hours later in hospital.
The identity of the dead man was confirmed to Canadian media by his aunt.
Cirillo was a member of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a regiment of Reserve Forces based in Hamilton, was training to join the Canada Border Services Agency, his aunt told The Globe and Mail.
The Canadian armed forces rotate the responsibility for guarding the nation’s most sacred memorial, rotating staffing off the 400-strong Ceremonial Guard between army, navy and air force units on a regular basis.
The army took its turn on Monday.
Their presence, according to a Canadian government website, was to “reinforce public awareness that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is to be treated with dignity, tribute and respect.”
Mayor Bob Bratina of Hamilton confirmed in a statement that the soldier was a member of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Prince Louise’s).
This is an infantry reserve unit based in his precinct of Hamilton. It is listed as one of the regiments providing men for the current ceremonial guard rotation at the Memorial.
“It’s such a terrible day for Canada, and Hamilton now has to take its place among many mourners,” Mayor Bratina said.
This article originally appeared in News.com.au.
