Cars Set Ablaze Outside Liberal MP Salma Zahid’s Home in Scarborough

Toronto Police have launched an investigation after vehicles were set on fire outside the Scarborough home of Liberal MP Salma Zahid early Thursday morning. Police said three vehicles were damaged in the incident, while Zahid’s office confirmed that her car and a neighbour’s vehicle were completely destroyed by the fire. The incident took place near Bellamy Road North and Lawrence Avenue East. Police and fire crews received the call between approximately 1:20 and 1:30 a.m. Thursday. After firefighters brought the blaze under control, the case was handed over to police for further investigation. No injuries have been reported. In a statement, Zahid said her son noticed the fire and called 911, while neighbours also contacted emergency services. She said that although the two vehicles were destroyed, the house itself was not damaged and she and her family were safe. Zahid declined to speculate about a possible motive behind the incident. She said she would wait for the outcome of the investigation and stressed that the incident would not deter her from representing the people of Scarborough Centre–Don Valley East. Toronto Police spokesperson Stephanie Mischele said authorities are treating the incident as a suspected arson. Police have not identified any suspect or provided information about a possible motive. Investigators are reviewing CCTV recordings from the area and are seeking to speak with anyone who may have information about the incident. The incident has also drawn a political response. Prime Minister Mark Carney described it as a “cowardly act of violence and intimidation” and said that such behaviour does not represent Canada. He expressed relief that Zahid and her family were safe and said he fully supported the police investigation. Salma Zahid has represented Scarborough Centre in Parliament since 2015. She currently serves as chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research. Police have not, so far, confirmed any political motive in connection with the incident. As the investigation continues, CCTV footage and information from witnesses could help investigators establish how the fire started and who was responsible. With no suspect publicly identified so far, authorities have not confirmed a motive and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.