Woolwich man arrested for alleged death threats to local MP
Waterloo regional police allege a man threatened death against a local member of parliament.
Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) General Investigations Unit have charged a 44-year-old Woolwich man with uttering threats to cause death.
Regional police were contacted by the office of a local MP Thursday reporting online threats against them. As a result of the investigation, police located, arrested and charged a man from Woolwich Township Friday.
At this point, CTV News cannot confirm which MP the threats are believed to have targeted.
Former Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and CTV Public Safety Analyst Chris Lewis says threats like these aren’t uncommon, adding that online harassment, hate and threats toward politicians has been going on for decades.
"Back when I was commissioner, we started a unit then because of an increase of threats against provincial members of parliament," said Lewis."We put a unit together actually providing security in certain instances and to investigate threats and keep intelligence database on that so all that will be occurring as we speak."
He adds that, while the particular incident was handled appropriately by local police, it poses a concern, as there has been a noticeable uptick of threats and intimidating incidents in Ontario
"It's always been an issue, it's just until the last several years [there’s been] a lot of it because of some of the right wing and left wing extremists out there on the other side of border,” said Lewis. “A lot of that has bled into Canada and in fact, it has increased."
CTV News reached out to local MP’s in the area, but received no responses except for Kitchener Centre MP Mike Morrice.
While he was not involved in the incident, in a statement he says in part, “I’m really concerned by this, and my thoughts are with the MP and their family. As these incidents increase, I think it underscores the importance of all political parties turning down divisive rhetoric that whips up anger, focusing instead on respectful dialogue and a search for common ground.”
Police say it’s important for local MP’s to continue to have a long-established protocol when meeting with constituents or setting up gatherings in public spaces.
Regional police are advising members of parliament to assess their offices and encourage them to install alarms, camera and other security measures as necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.