RCMP say armed man arrested on grounds of Rideau Hall

The RCMP say they have safely resolved an “incident” at Rideau Hall, where Gov. Gen. Julie Payette and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reside.

A large number of police officers, including at least one armoured car, were deployed to the northwest corner of the sprawling Rideau Hall estate on Thursday morning.

“At approximately 6:40 this morning, an armed man was able to access the grounds of 1 Sussex Drive,” the RCMP said in a tweet sent once the incident was over. “The man was arrested shortly after without any incident. He is currently in custody and is being interviewed. We are not releasing his identity at this time as charges are pending.”

The Mounties did not provide any further details, but the gate to one side entrance was bent and a police robot was examining a black pick-up truck further into the estate.

Rideau Hall is the Governor General’s official residence while the Prime Minister and his family are staying on the property at Rideau Cottage.

The RCMP say neither the Prime Minister nor the Governor General were home at the time.