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Liberal MP for Scarborough Centre Salma Zahid speaks with reporters before attending caucus, in Ottawa, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

After arson attack, Liberal MP warns violent rhetoric puts all MPs at risk

Oct 2, 2026 | 10:56 AM

OTTAWA — Liberal MP Salma Zahid says she’s concerned about escalating violent rhetoric directed at MPs — including the leader of another party.

In August, a man was filmed setting vehicles on fire outside Zahid’s home in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough in what police believe was an arson attack.

Zahid says she now has 24-7 security at her home and she believes the incident could be related to rising rhetoric against her fellow MPs.

She spoke out this week about a newspaper column calling for action against NDP Leader Avi Lewis over his views on Israel, which Zahid says puts Lewis at risk.