Mayhem broke out in Ottawa Wednesday morning as a solider was shot at the National War Memorial before a gunman reportedly ran to the nearby Parliament Hill where more gunfire was heard inside Centre Block -- the building with the large tower.

Earlier, according to tweets from media, Members of Parliament and parliament staff up to 30 shots were heard inside Centre Block around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

"Shots fired during caucus meeting. at least 30 shots. MPs piled out. I'm safe with 2 colleagues but we're still at risk..." tweeted MP Tony Clement a little after 10 a.m.

Shortly after, reports the suspected shooter with a rifle or shotgun had been shot and killed by security on Parliament Hill began to surface as authorities continued to lock down the area.

Just after 11 a.m. EST, reports of a sniper on top of a building nearby Parliament Hill began to circulate, as well as reports the police had shot the sniper.

Contrary to an earlier report, police clarified in a statement this afternoon that no shooting occurred at the Rideau Centre, an Ottawa shopping mall near Parliament Hill.*

Potentially multiple shooters

Some witnesses told media there were two people seen in the car -- a gold Toyota Corolla -- the shooter got out of before beginning the attack.

The Globe and Mail's Josh Wingrove was inside Centre Block when the shooting was heard and tweeted everyone was moved to the west part of the building and politely asked to get to the ground by armed guards.

Parliament Hill is heavily guarded and unaccredited visitors must go through a security check similar to an airport before gaining access.

But reports indicate after the soldier at the National War Memorial was shot, the shooter carjacked a vehicle and drove up to the front door of Parliament before barging his way through the front doors.

The condition of the soldier is not known.

RCMP have advised people to stay away from the area.

*Story updated 11:15 a.m. PST.