Police are currently probing a suspected arson incident at the residence of a Scarborough Member of Parliament (MP) after several vehicles were set on fire early Thursday, as confirmed by her office. In a statement released on Thursday, MP Salma Zahid of Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East disclosed that an “individual” ignited her car and another vehicle parked outside her home overnight. She mentioned that both vehicles were completely destroyed, but fortunately, there was no harm to the residence, and her family is safe. Zahid refrained from speculating on the motive behind the incident, expressing that they are awaiting the investigation’s outcome.
Zahid addressed the media outside her residence later in the day, describing the occurrence as “very traumatizing” for her family. She expressed concerns for the safety of herself, her staff, and her family, leading her to temporarily 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. at around 1:20 a.m., but they did not confirm any direct link to Zahid.
A neighbor, Victoria Konstantellos, recalled being partly asleep when she heard what seemed like a muted explosion. Upon investigating, she noticed flames on Zahid’s front lawn, prompting her to alert neighbors and ensure their safety. Zahid recounted how the fire rapidly spread to both vehicles, raising concerns about potential damage to the house or the cars exploding, highlighting her shock given the peaceful nature of their neighborhood.
Nandkumar Chava, a tenant in Zahid’s attached residence, provided security camera footage to CBC News, showing an individual approaching the cars in the driveway with a jerry can, pouring what seemed to be gasoline on them, igniting the vehicles, and fleeing the scene. According to Toronto police in a subsequent news release, the suspect set fire to the first two vehicles using an accelerant before fleeing in a black Hyundai sedan. The suspect is described as having a slim build, wearing a black mask, a hooded sweater, black gloves, running shoes, and light socks.
Zahid, a Liberal MP representing Scarborough Centre since 2015, chairs the standing committee on science and research and serves as the vice-chair of the Canada-China legislative association. She expressed intentions to discuss security options with the House of Commons’ sergeant-at-arms. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Zahid and her family. Various political figures and organizations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, denounced the act of violence and offered support to Zahid and her family.