Multiple vehicles were destroyed in an act of suspected arson outside a Scarborough MP’s home early Thursday morning that has drawn condemnation from Prime Minister Mark Carney and other political leaders.
The incident happened shortly before 1:30 a.m. near Bellamy Road North and Lawrence Avenue East, at the residence of Scarborough Centre Liberal MP Salma Zahid.
Toronto Fire Services and Toronto police arrived at the scene, and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze.
In a statement posted to X, Zahid said her son noticed the blaze and called 911, along with other neighbours, and that her family is safe.
She said that her car and another vehicle were both destroyed in the fire.
“I want to thank first responders at Toronto Fire and Toronto Police for their efficient and professional response, and also the neighbours who reported the incident. We are grateful and relieved there was no further damage,” she said. “I don’t want to speculate on a possible motive. We will await the results of the investigation. Such attacks are unacceptable and will not deter me from my work serving Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East.”
During an interview with CP24 Thursday afternoon, Zahid said, “Right now, I am concerned for my safety, my staff’s safety and my family’s safety.”
“Today, I closed my constituency office just to make sure that I don’t put my staff at risk.
According to one neighbour, he woke up to screaming after a separate neighbour knocked on his door.
“As soon as I wake up, I see from my bedroom there is a light is coming right. I saw something is happening outside, and then I just came with a rush, and then I noticed that two cars in front of my home is getting burnt. Right, immediately I wake my family and my kids, and we just came out.”
Toronto police say they are investigating the incident as a possible arson. However, police say there is currently no information about suspects.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.
In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident a “cowardly act of violence and intimidation.”
“It is unacceptable. It is not who we are as Canadians. I’m relieved Salma and her family are safe,” he said. “The Toronto Police have my full support as they search for the criminal or criminals responsible and ensure they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow released a statement saying that she is “relieved to hear MP Zahid and her family are safe after a suspected arson at her home.”
“Thank you to Toronto Police and Toronto Fire for your quick response and investigations into this incident. Cowardly acts of violence and intimation cannot be tolerated and the police have my support in finding those responsible.”
Zahid was first elected as the MP for Scarborough Centre in 2015.
