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Police are investigating a suspected arson at the home of a Scarborough MP after multiple cars were torched early Thursday, her office has confirmed.
In a written statement Thursday, Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East MP Salma Zahid said an “individual” set her car and another vehicle on fire overnight.
“Both vehicles were destroyed. There was no damage to the home. My family and I are all safe,” her statement said.
“I don’t want to speculate on a possible motive. We will await the results of the investigation,” she said.
Zahid, a Liberal backbencher, has been an MP for Scarborough Centre since 2015. (CBC News)
Toronto police say a total of three cars were damaged as a result of a fire in the area of Bellamy Road N. and Lawrence Avenue E. around 1:20 a.m. Police did not confirm a connection to Zahid.
In an emailed update Thursday, Toronto police spokesperson Stephanie Miceli said officers are canvassing for video surveillance and looking to speak with witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Carney calls incident ‘unacceptable’
Zahid, a Liberal backbencher, has been an MP for Scarborough Centre since 2015. She currently chairs the standing committee on science and research and is the vice-chair of the Canada-China legislative association.
In a statement posted to social media platform X, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he’s “relieved Salma and her family are safe,” calling the incident “unacceptable.”
“This is a cowardly act of violence and intimidation,” he said.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also said she’s glad Zahid and her family are safe.
“Cowardly acts of violence and intimidation cannot be tolerated and the police have my support in finding those responsible,” Chow said in a post on X.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles also weighed in on X, calling the news “deeply disturbing.”
“No one in this country should ever face violence or intimidation at their own home, and whoever did this must be found and held fully to account,” she said in her post.