On weekends, Kevin Murison attracts various reactions while playing his bagpipes on a bustling sidewalk in Ottawa, with most being positive. Murison, 35, often seen in full Highland attire on the bridge near Ottawa Locks beside Château Laurier, receives numerous compliments on his playing from passersby. Despite some negative encounters, such as a man throwing a drink and stealing from his open pipe case, Murison faced a more severe incident last Saturday.
While playing at his usual spot around 4 p.m., Murison was approached by a man who requested a photo. However, the situation took a frightening turn when the man revealed a knife, leaving Murison injured. Following the attack, a bystander called 911, leading to the prompt arrival of police officers who provided immediate aid to Murison and swiftly apprehended the suspect nearby.
The assailant, a 25-year-old man, is now facing charges, including assault with a weapon and breaching probation. Ottawa police stated that the attack was unprovoked. Murison, who has been playing the bagpipes for 15 years and is a member of the Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums band, expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his bandmates and the broader bagpiping community.
Despite the traumatic incident, Murison remains resilient and determined to continue playing the bagpipes once he has recovered from his injuries. He emphasized that he will not be deterred by the ordeal and plans to return to his usual spot on the sidewalk as soon as he is able.
