Police are looking into a suspected arson incident at the residence of a Member of Parliament in Scarborough after two vehicles were set on fire early Thursday morning, according to a statement from the MP’s office. The MP, Salma Zahid, stated that an unidentified individual ignited her car and another vehicle parked outside her home, resulting in their complete destruction. Fortunately, there was no harm to the property or occupants.
Zahid refrained from speculating on the motive behind the incident and expressed the need to await the outcome of the investigation. Addressing the media later in the day, she described the event as deeply distressing for her family, emphasizing concerns for their safety and deciding to temporarily close her constituency office.
Toronto Police reported that three vehicles were damaged by a fire in the vicinity of Bellamy Road N. and Lawrence Avenue E. around 1:20 a.m., but did not confirm a direct link to Zahid. Authorities are actively seeking video footage and witness accounts to aid in their inquiries.
A neighbor of Zahid, Victoria Konstantellos, recounted being awakened by what she likened to a muted explosion, leading her to witness flames on the front lawn of the MP’s residence. She and her family promptly alerted other neighbors and attempted to ensure everyone’s safety as the fire quickly engulfed the vehicles.
Security camera footage shared by a tenant of Zahid’s depicted an individual pouring a flammable liquid on the cars before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene. The suspect, described by police as slender and wearing distinctive dark attire including a mask and gloves, left in a black Hyundai sedan following the incident.
Zahid, a Member of Parliament since 2015, affirmed plans to discuss security measures with parliamentary officials. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack as cowardly and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of public officials in Canada. Various political figures and organizations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, echoed support for Zahid and denounced the violence.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for swift justice, with community leaders emphasizing the need to uphold security and combat such acts of intimidation.