Man charged after allegedly threatening Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown
The threats against Brown and his family were reported to police in late June, investigators said in a news release Wednesday.
"As a precaution, enhanced security measures were provided to ensure their safety while the matter was investigated," according to the news release.
Police say officers arrested Kanwarjyot Singh Manoria, a 29-year-old man from Brampton, on Tuesday. He's been charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
In an interview with CBC News, Brown thanked police and said it was a relief that someone had been arrested.
"You're never comfortable when the police tell you that there's precautions required for your safety," he said.
While he received threats and had police protection in the past, Brown said this situation was "worrisome" given there were threats toward his wife and young son, as well.
He said the motivation behind the threats was still unknown, but that he'll carry on with his mayoral work as usual.
"It's part of the job unfortunately that when you're in public life, sometimes you attract attention that's not the attention you want ot attract."
Police say they believe the accused acted alone and "is no longer an active threat to the mayor, his family or the community."
'One cannot live with fear': Toronto mayor
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the threats against Brown were unacceptable.
"I know him well and I hope he stays safe," Chow said at an unrelated news conference Wednesday.
She said she's been the subject of threats in the past, and also remembers her late husband, former federal NDP Leader Jack Layton, receiving threats as well.
"Were we fearful? No, and one cannot live with fear."
Retired RCMP officer Calvin Lawrence said politicians receive threats all the time, but it comes down to police to decide how serious those threats are.
He says threats can be avoided by gathering intelligence in advance and planning accordingly to be proactive.
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