Toronto police are investigating a suspected arson at the home of a Liberal member of parliament. According to CBC News, multiple cars on the driveway of MP Salma Zahid were set on fire overnight. The Scarborough MP said the incident has left her shaken and worried about the safety of her family and her staff.
The attack was captured on security video. According to CBC News, the footage shows a person dressed in black and wearing a mask pouring an accelerant on several vehicles parked in front of the Toronto home. The person then ignites one of the cars, and it goes up in a ball of flames as the fire quickly takes hold.
The video shows the situation escalating within seconds. CBC News reported that, with the jerry can now on fire, the suspect attempted to ignite a second car, and there appeared to be an explosion. The suspect then ran off, dropping the jerry can as they fled the scene in front of the home.
Zahid said she does not know why her home was targeted. According to CBC News, she is not ruling out the possibility that the attack was politically motivated, but stopped short of drawing any conclusions. As a public figure, she said, she did not know the motive, would not make any speculations, and would leave the matter to the police to investigate.
In the aftermath of the fire, two of the vehicles were completely destroyed. CBC News reported that a nearby neighbour spotted the fire in its early stages and called 911. A man who lives with his family in a rental unit attached to Zahid's home came outside, frightened, together with his two children as the fire took hold overnight.
Zahid said she has hired security to watch her home as she decides on her next steps. According to CBC News, she plans to have discussions with the House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms about what further measures may be needed. For now, police are continuing to investigate the suspected arson in Toronto.