North Vancouver RCMP were called to NDP MLA Bowinn Ma’s constituency office on Friday morning following a “security incident” that police have now clarified was an explosion.
Cpl. Mansoor Sahak said officers were initially called to West 1st Street around 2:45 a.m. for reports of an explosion.
He said officers were not able to find any evidence of an explosion there but residents said they had heard a bang.
Around 4:15 a.m., officers were called to Ma’s office on West Esplanade Avenue, where they discovered a device had detonated. Residents described it as a “loud explosion.”
Sahak said it is not clear if the two incidents are connected.
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In a statement, Ma confirmed that a “security incident” has prompted the closure of her office and all meetings and appointments have been cancelled.
“Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening,” Ma said in a statement.
“I appreciate the concern expressed by community members. I am grateful to serve such a caring and compassionate community. I’d also like to thank the officers who responded for their diligence and professionalism. Due to the active police investigation, I will not be able to provide more details at this time.”
Some damage can be seen to the front door of the office and RCMP confirmed the blast “breached the door” and damaged the door frame.
Police are specifically looking for anyone who was in the area of West Esplanade Avenue that may have captured dash cam or CCTV footage from the hours of 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Ma is the MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and also B.C.’s infrastructure minister.
The BC NDP called an emergency caucus meeting on Friday and urged all MLAs and staff to be cautious.
B.C. Premier David Eby said at a press conference on Friday that this incident is “troubling on various levels.”
“It is something that strikes at the heart of the job that people are asked to do, to have an available office,” he said.
Sahak said an investigation will determine if Ma’s office was targeted in the explosion.
BC Conservative leader John Rustad put out a statement on X saying every member of the legislature must stand together.
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