That key question remains unanswered as the RCMP continue to investigate Michael Zehaf-Bibeau’s deadly assault in Ottawa on Wednesday.

“Certainly the source of that gun is of tremendous interest to us . . . . We will determine where that gun came from,” said Paulson.

On Thursday, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said police were very interested in learning how Zehaf-Bibeau, 32-year old with a lengthy criminal record that prevented him from possessing a firearm, obtained the rifle.

Could Zehaf-Bibeau, who police suggest has been in Ottawa for only under a month and living at a homeless shelter, have developed the underworld contacts needed to buy a rifle on the black market?

Just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, Zehaf-Bibeau fired three shots while at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The first two struck Cirillo at close range. He was pronounced dead in hospital later that day. The third shot, aimed at another soldier on honour guard duty at the monument, missed.

Zehaf-Bibeau then stormed Parliament Hill, hijacked a ministerial car, entered the Centre Block, fired another shot, injuring a security guard, and fired more shots while making his way down the Hall of Honour, where he was shot dead by security.

He couldn’t have imagined winning that fight. A Winchester .30-30 lever-action rifle holds only seven rounds.