RCMP say they are "following up" on an incident after New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh was harassed by protestors.
The incident took place on Tuesday, during an event in Peterborough, Ontario, wherein Singh was called a traitor, and subjected to vulgarities.
Deputy Commissioner Michael Duheme said that the incident was "unacceptable" and that the police would be working with party leaders and cabinet ministers on security threats.
"It's unacceptable, it’s not the first time (it has happened) … We're following up on it to determine what can be done," he told the House of Commons' public safety committee on Tuesday, according to Global News.
"When we do have a file with regards to potential threats, be it online or via phone or directly, we do engage with (federal prosecutors) to discuss the file and see if we’ve met the threshold (for criminal charges). It is a challenge, I can say from the RCMP perspective."
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh gets heckled in Peterborough.
— Cosmin Dzsurdzsa ?? (@cosminDZS) May 12, 2022
If you partner with Trudeau, you get the Trudeau treatment.pic.twitter.com/YZLXSYWiYK
Singh called the experience one of the most "insulting" he's had in his time as a public figure.
"I've experienced worse in my life and experienced it regularly. So it’s not something for me; it doesn’t faze me or shake me in any way. But I am worried about what that means for politics, generally," said Singh.
Thank you to everyone that has reached out to me after yesterday’s incident in Peterborough.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) May 12, 2022
Here are my thoughts and reflections: pic.twitter.com/Oz81q0S5du
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also commented on the "hatred and vitriol" experienced by Singh, stating in a tweet released on Thursday: "The hatred and vitriol you were subjected to the other day was absolutely disgusting, Jagmeet. I agree with you that we must confront it and condemn it. It has no place in politics – or anywhere in Canada."