Police are probing a suspected arson incident at the residence of a Scarborough Member of Parliament (MP) after multiple vehicles were set on fire early Thursday, as confirmed by her office. Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East MP Salma Zahid disclosed in a written statement that someone set fire to her car and another vehicle parked outside her home overnight, resulting in the destruction of both vehicles. Fortunately, there was no harm to the residence, and Zahid reassured that she and her family were unharmed.
Zahid refrained from speculating on the motive behind the incident and expressed waiting for the investigation outcomes. Addressing the media outside her home, Zahid described the event as “very traumatizing” for her family and emphasized concerns about their safety, prompting the closure of her constituency office for the day. Toronto police reported that a total of three cars were impacted by the fire in the vicinity of Bellamy Road N. and Lawrence Avenue E. around 1:20 a.m., but did not confirm any link to Zahid.
Neighbour Victoria Konstantellos recounted being awoken by what seemed like a muted explosion and witnessing flames from Zahid’s property, prompting her and her mother to take action to alert neighbors. Footage shared by Nandkumar Chava, a tenant living adjacent to Zahid’s residence, revealed a person dousing vehicles with an accelerant and setting them ablaze before fleeing the scene. The suspect, described by Toronto police as having a slender build, was last seen wearing specific attire and escaping in a purported black Hyundai sedan.
Zahid, a Liberal MP representing Scarborough Centre since 2015, chairs the standing committee on science and research and holds the vice-chair position of the Canada-China legislative association. She pledged to discuss security options with the House of Commons’ sergeant-at-arms, although specific security measures were not disclosed. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the act as “unacceptable” in a statement on social media, expressing relief that Zahid’s family was safe. Various political figures and organizations also denounced the incident and called for the perpetrator to be brought to justice.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims conveyed shock and disgust over the event, emphasizing Zahid’s longstanding advocacy for human rights and opposition to racism. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow echoed support for police efforts to identify the culprits, emphasizing zero tolerance for such acts of violence and intimidation. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles labeled the news as “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing the importance of holding the responsible party accountable.
