Police are currently investigating a suspected arson at the residence of a Scarborough Member of Parliament (MP) after several vehicles were set on fire early Thursday morning. The MP, Salma Zahid, confirmed in a statement that an unidentified individual ignited her car and another vehicle parked outside her home, resulting in the destruction of both vehicles. Fortunately, there was no damage to the house, and Zahid and her family are safe.
Zahid refrained from speculating on the motive behind the incident and expressed a desire to await the results of the ongoing investigation. She addressed the media later in the day, describing the event as extremely traumatizing for her family and expressing concerns about their safety, prompting her to close her constituency office for the day.
Three cars in total were damaged in a fire incident at the intersection of Bellamy Road N. and Lawrence Avenue E. around 1:20 a.m., as reported by the Toronto police. While no direct connection to Zahid was confirmed by the authorities, investigations are ongoing, with officers seeking video surveillance footage and potential witnesses to assist in the case.
A neighbor, Victoria Konstantellos, recalled being awoken by what sounded like an explosion and witnessing flames outside Zahid’s residence. She and her mother acted quickly to alert neighbors and prevent further damage. Security camera footage shared by Nandkumar Chava, a tenant living adjacent to Zahid’s house, captured an individual approaching the vehicles with a jerry can, pouring a liquid believed to be gasoline, and setting the cars ablaze before fleeing the scene.
Toronto police released a description of the suspect as having a slim build and wearing specific attire, including a black mask and hooded sweater. The suspect was last seen driving away in a black Hyundai sedan, as per police reports.
Zahid, a Liberal MP representing Scarborough Centre, has been in office since 2015 and holds key roles within parliamentary committees. Following the incident, she plans to discuss security arrangements with the House of Commons’ sergeant-at-arms. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the act as “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for swift justice in apprehending the perpetrator.
Various political figures and organizations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, expressed solidarity with Zahid and condemned the violence, calling for accountability and support for the ongoing investigation.