Liberal MP Salma Zahid says violent rhetoric against MPs is escalating

TORONTO · Liberal MP Salma Zahid says violent rhetoric directed at politicians is escalating and crossing over into real-world threats. She spoke after an August arson attack at her Scarborough home and recent arrests for death threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney. Zahid told The Canadian Press that she now has 24/7 security at her residence and believes the incident could be linked to rising rhetoric against MPs. "We need to lower the temperature," Zahid said. "The reality we are living in is [that] sadly, it is not uncommon for online rhetoric to cross over into real-world violence."

Police believe the fire that damaged five vehicles outside her home was an arson attack. One person has been arrested in connection with the case. Zahid said the arrested individual was a driver hired by the person seen on security footage pouring gasoline and lighting the fire. She said police informed her the driver would not identify who hired him, leaving the primary suspect at large. "For me and my family, it has been very traumatic, because I really need to know who is behind this and what is their motive," Zahid said.

She believes the attack was meant to intimidate. "That might have been the purpose, to frighten us," she said. "And it has changed in many ways the way we do the work." As a result, House of Commons officials have arranged full-time security at her home and are vetting all her invitations. Her constituency office now operates by appointment only until new security cameras are installed and an assessment is complete. Zahid, who has been an MP since 2015, said this conflicts with her desire to be accessible. Zahid also voiced concern this week about rhetoric targeting NDP Leader Avi Lewis over his statements on Israel, which she believes could put him at risk. She said she can and will stand up for MPs from other parties facing violent rhetoric and urged others to do the same. Her comments follow three recent arrests for death threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney, which she views as symptoms of a broader problem of incitement.

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"I worry that this language, if it is used like that, risks fuelling antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian racism. I see incidents of all sorts increasing, and I think it is unacceptable," Zahid said. "Incitement and hateful rhetoric is wrong and dangerous." She said such rhetoric makes it harder to encourage minorities to run for office and undermines the vigorous debate democracy requires. Zahid, who wears a hijab and is of Pakistani heritage, emphasized the need for unity. "As politicians, I think we need to bring people together, so that everyone is part of the Canadian team here and everyone can live freely," she said.

The threats have had a direct impact on parliamentary service. Former Liberal MP Pam Damoff announced last year she would not seek re-election due to constant threats, misogyny and harassment. Damoff said at the time she feared someone would be killed, noting harassment had intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to such threats, Commons officials began issuing MPs panic buttons, known as "mobile duress alarms," in June 2022. The devices are designed to immediately alert Parliamentary Protective Services or local police. Security also offered to install alarms and cameras in MPs' offices and provide de-escalation training.

With files from The Canadian Press, CBC News and iPolitics