Though there is no confirmed threat to the U.S., the country is increasing security after Wednesday's attack at the Canadian Parliament and War Memorial.
The Associated Press reported that the solider guarding Ottawa's National War Memorial was shot and killed. Shots were also fired inside the Parliament building.
According to a statement made by the FBI and Homeland Security security awareness has been raised to post 9/11 levels. There has been increased protection around the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington, D.C., as an extra measure of safety. The U.S. Embassy's Ottawa location was also locked down following the shootings.
CNN reported that the murder of the Canadian soldier was carried out by Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, a Canadian citizen who was later gunned down by officials. It is still unclear why he targeted Nathan Cirillo, the Canadian servicemember charged with guarding the National War Memorial.
This incident comes after another recent attack on Canadian soldiers. According to CNN, a man struck and killed two servicemembers in Quebec with his car a week ago. The man responsible for this was a known jihadist. Though there is no evidence that these two attacks are connected, there is speculation that they both stem from radical Islamist efforts.
Obama declared in a statement that the U.S. is prepared to help Canada with its response to the issue and will remain a strong ally of the nation during this difficult time.