Police are currently looking into a suspected arson case involving a Scarborough MP’s residence, where several vehicles were set on fire early Thursday, as confirmed by the MP’s office. Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East MP Salma Zahid disclosed in a written statement that an “individual” ignited her car and another vehicle parked outside her home overnight, resulting in the destruction of both vehicles. Zahid emphasized that no harm was done to the house and that her family is safe, refraining from speculating on the motive until the investigation concludes.
Zahid addressed the media outside her residence later in the day, describing the incident as “highly distressing” for her family and expressing concerns for their safety along with her staff’s safety. Consequently, she decided to close her constituency office for the day. Toronto police reported that three cars were impacted by the fire in the vicinity of Bellamy Road N. and Lawrence Avenue E. around 1:20 a.m., without confirming any link to Zahid.
Neighbour Victoria Konstantellos recounted hearing a noise resembling a muted explosion while half-asleep and witnessing flames from Zahid’s property. She immediately sprang into action, attempting to alert the neighbors and prevent further damage. Nandkumar Chava, a tenant living in the adjoining house, shared security camera footage with CBC News, capturing an individual pouring an accelerant on the vehicles before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene.
The suspect, described by Toronto police as slender, was last seen wearing a black mask, a hooded black sweater, black gloves, and light socks, escaping in a presumed black Hyundai sedan. Zahid, a Liberal backbencher serving as the Scarborough Centre MP since 2015, plans to discuss security measures with the House of Commons’ sergeant-at-arms, while Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced the incident as “unacceptable” and condemned it as an act of violence and intimidation.
Various figures, including Pierre Poilievre, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, expressed support for Zahid and denounced the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability.