Canada condemns attack in Paris which left police officer dead, 3 wounded
Posted Apr 20, 2017 9:46 pm.
Last Updated Apr 21, 2017 8:00 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has issued a statement condemning an apparent terrorist attack Thursday on Paris’ iconic Champs-Elysees boulevard.
A gunman opened fire on police, killing one officer and wounding three people before police shot and killed him.
A French prosecutor said the attacker emerged from a car and used an automatic weapon to shoot at the officers outside a department store at the centre of the boulevard.
The Islamic State group quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes just three days before a tense presidential election.
Freeland said Canada offers its “deepest condolences to the loved ones of the police officer killed and a swift recovery to the two police officers injured” and that officials are ready to provide consular assistance to any Canadian citizens if needed.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted a message on Twitter late Thursday saying “Canada stands with France, as we always will, against terror.”
Security has been a dominant theme in French election campaign and the violence has caused the 11 candidates to cancel or reschedule final campaign events ahead of Sunday’s first round vote.
— with files from The Associated Press
