Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the shooting deaths of three RCMP officers in Moncton, New Brunswick and injuries sustained by two other Mounties are stark reminders of those who risk their lives for Canadians every day.
Justin Bourque, 24, has been identified by police as the suspected shooter. He remains at-large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Harper, currently in Brussels for the G7 summit, released a statement Wednesday night offering his condolences and wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured officers.
"This violent incident is a stark reminder that our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line in Canada every day to protect our citizens and communities," he said in the statement.
The prime minister called this a "sad time" for the people of Moncton, New Brunswick and Canada.
On Thursday, Harper told reporters the violent incident reminds Canadians that "our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us as Canadians."
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also shared condolences on Twitter.
Trudeau also released a statement expressing gratitude to law enforcement officials.
"Today, we grieve the loss of your fellow officers with you, and we unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence," he said in the statement.
NDP MP Jack Harris, who was apparently in Moncton at the time of the shooting, expressed shock Wednesday night.
Conservative MP Ryan Leef, a former RCMP officer in Yukon, said online that he hoped the search for the suspect ends safely.
Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino, a former Toronto police chief and former commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, also lauded those who died serving their country.
MPs of all stripes took to Twitter to share condolences , with many using the hashtag #PrayForMoncton.