For the second time in less than a month, a London MP's constituency office has been vandalized.
Employees of London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos arrived at the office at 231 Hyman Street Friday morning to find red paint had been thrown across the outside wall. Video surveillance captured the vandal in action at 8:15 p.m the night before.
The incident comes nearly three weeks after ketchup was tossed on the front door of the office during a pro-Palestinian march on held on October 22.
Just like he did after the first act of vandalism, Fragiskatos called the latest incident "deeply disappointing."
"I agree fundamentally with a citizen's right to protest in a democracy. What is not fundamental to democracy is vandalism. That is something that is categorically different," said Fragiskatos.
He added that there are now concerns of escalation.
"Are the windows broken at some point? Will vandals enter the constituency office and vandalize the inside? Will they kick the door in, will they come to our homes - mine or staff members - will we be confronted in public and subjected to violence? These are legitimate questions and questions that I never expected to have to think about and answer," said Fragiskatos.
The Liberal MP believes the red paint was meant to symbolize the blood of civilians caught in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Fragiskatos and the Canadian government have been criticized by members of the Palestinian community for not calling for a cease fire in the conflict. Hamas, which is listed as a "terrorist entity" by Canada, sparked the conflict by attacking Israel, killing over 1,400 people on October 7. That prompted Israel to launch airstrikes and a ground invasion in Gaza that has left thousands dead.
Fragiskatos said that those vandalizing his office clearly disagree with the federal government's position.
"They want our government to call for a cease fire, they want me to do the same. I have not done that, I have issued a statement and you can see that statement online. I think it is a very balanced statement," said Fragiskatos.
He went on to explain that Canada has little influence over Israel and Hamas, and would be better off focusing on providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
"Israel and Hamas are not terribly interested in the perspectives of a middle power, such as Canada... They aren't going to pay attention to the view of middle power. So recognizing that, I think the most prudent course forward is the one that is going to get results and shape things for the better and that is for Canada to focus on humanitarian aid."
London police confirmed a report has been filed about the latest vandalism to Fragiskatos' office.
"We are aware of the occurrence. It has been reported to us and the investigation is active and ongoing," said Constable Matt Dawson.
Fragiskatos is appealing to the public to return to respectful and civilized dialogue on topics with which people disagree.
"People can call their Members of Parliament, people can protest non-violently," said Fragiskatos. "Even when we disagree, we have to disagree reasonably."