The gunman behind a rampage in downtown Ottawa, Canada is dead along with a soldier shot during the gunman’s initial volley.

The soldier was a ceremonial sentry guarding the National War Memorial.  Ottawa police confirmed the soldier died at the hospital from gunshot wounds.

The gunman, whose name is being withheld by police, died after engaging in a gun battle with Parliament Hill security and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police inside the Centre Block of Parliament Hill.  The battle took place outside the doors where the Conservative and NDP caucuses were meeting.

The gunman was just outside the door where Canada’s Prime Minster, Stephen Harper, was meeting with officials.   Security was able to rush Harper out of a back entrance away from the shooter.

“A series of gunshots rang out and we realized they were right on the other side of the door. And it isn’t a very strong door. We put up these flimsy little tables to get people behind and get them under chairs. We wanted to make sure that everyone was safe,” Member of Parliament Charlie Angus told the Ottawa Citizen.

Witnesses inside Centre Block say between 30 and 50 shots were heard during the gun battle.  Witnesses at the initial shooting site said that the gunman just jumped from a car with a rifle.

“I heard a bunch of pops and I looked over at the War Memorial and I saw a man with a rifle shooting at innocent people,” construction worker Matthew Blais said. “We ducked for cover. Then we saw him jump into a green car and head up the street. He parked right in front of Parliament and ran into the building.”

The attack comes days after an Islamic extremist committed a hit and run attack on Canadian soldiers.

Canada is scheduled to begin bombing runs against ISIS with the United States this week.