Some of our local MPs were locked down in Centre Block on Wednesday during the shootings on Parliament Hill, and on Thursday they reflected on the peril they faced.

“At first I thought maybe something had fallen like a filing cabinet but it became very apparent that this is multiple gunshots,” says Barrie MP Patrick Brown. “My first assumption was the target would be the Prime Minister because it was close to our room.”

MPs were back to work on Thursday and for the most the reality of what happened is still setting in.

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Larry Miller was inside the caucus room when the shots rang out just feet away.

“Everybody pulled together, there was a lot of us piling barricades in front of the doors, “says Miller. “There were other people who were simply hugging other people who were really taking it hard so there were a lot of different emotions in there.”

A moving ceremony was held in the House of Commons on Thursday, another moment that won’t soon be forgotten. MPs on both sides gave Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers a standing ovation for his heroic actions.

“The standing ovation he got today in Parliament was touching, it was emotional, it’s a very unique day on Parliament Hill when you see that type of unified sense of pride from all political parties,” adds Brown.

“Knowing Kevin, like I do, do that his way as well as the rest of us saying ‘you are not going to intimidate us.’ I am coming to work tomorrow and he did,” says Miller.

As our politicians went back to work so did Canadians but Brad Forbes of Barrie did not. Thursday morning he put his old uniform back on and stood guard at the Cenotaph in Barrie.

“I feel I need to be here, someone should be here to pay their respects.”

Most flags across the country are at half-staff and people have started to pay tribute their own way.

“The last couple of days has really shocked Canada to the core and I agree with the Prime Minister that we should stand together in solidarity and not be afraid to be in public places,” says Karen Schlichter.

Books of condolences have been set up for people to sign at City Hall in Barrie and at Thomas Funeral Home in Alliston.

The Department of National Defence is now asking all military across the country to stop wearing their uniforms off base until further notice and security is being increased at all military bases across Canada, including C.F.B. Borden.