Police are currently looking into a suspected case of arson at the residence of a Scarborough MP following a series of vehicle fires in the early hours of Thursday, as confirmed by the MP’s office. Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East MP Salma Zahid stated in a written release that an unidentified individual set fire to her car and another vehicle parked outside her home overnight. The vehicles were completely destroyed, but fortunately, there was no harm to the residence, and Zahid and her family are safe. Zahid refrained from speculating on the motive behind the incident and expressed the need to await the investigation’s findings.
Addressing the media outside her house later in the day, Zahid described the event as “very traumatizing” for her family and expressed concerns for their safety, as well as that of her staff. Consequently, she decided to close her constituency office for the day.
Toronto police reported that a total of three cars were damaged by a fire in the vicinity of Bellamy Road N. and Lawrence Avenue E. at approximately 1:20 a.m. However, the police have not confirmed any direct link to Zahid. In an update provided via email, Toronto police spokesperson Stephanie Miceli mentioned that officers are actively seeking video surveillance footage and appealing to potential witnesses to come forward with any information they may have.
A neighbor of Zahid, Victoria Konstantellos, recalled being awakened by what she described as a faint explosion. Upon investigating, she witnessed flames on Zahid’s front lawn, prompting her to take immediate action to alert other neighbors and ensure their safety. Zahid recounted how the fire swiftly engulfed the cars, causing apprehension that it might spread to the house or result in an explosion, a scenario she found particularly shocking given the neighborhood’s usual tranquility.
Nandkumar Chava, a tenant residing in the adjacent property to Zahid’s, shared security camera footage of the incident with CBC News. The footage captures an individual approaching the vehicles in the driveway with a jerry can, pouring what seemed to be gasoline on them, igniting the first two cars, and then fleeing the scene.
According to a news release issued by Toronto police on Friday, the suspect poured an accelerant on the vehicles, causing them to catch fire before making a quick exit. The suspect is described as having a slim build and was last seen wearing a black mask, a hooded sweater, black gloves, running shoes, and light socks. The suspect reportedly fled in a black Hyundai sedan.
Zahid, a Liberal MP representing Scarborough Centre since 2015, currently holds the position of chair for the standing committee on science and research and serves as the vice-chair of the Canada-China legislative association. She intends to discuss security measures with the House of Commons’ sergeant-at-arms, although specifics regarding security measures were not disclosed by the House of Commons’ spokesperson.
In a statement posted on social media, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief that Zahid and her family were unharmed, condemning the incident as “unacceptable” and characterized it as a cowardly act of violence and intimidation.
Various public figures and organizations have voiced their support for Zahid and condemnation of the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. The National Council of Canadian Muslims, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles were among those who expressed solidarity with Zahid and denounced the act of violence.