The authorities’ statement released this afternoon does not specify which candidates were affected by these threats, but several of them said via their social media that they were putting their election campaigns on hold.
Josh Matlow and Brad Bradford, for example, both tweeted that they would pause their respective campaigns pending the arrest of the suspect.
A debate scheduled for tonight at the Ontario School of Art and Design (OCAD) has also been cancelled. However, the university did not provide any information on the reasons for the cancellation.
The speakers were Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Chloe Brown, Olivia Chow, Josh Matlow, Mitzie Hunter and Mark Saunders. According to his spokesman, Mark Saunders said he would not participate in the debate.
For her part, Olivia Chow said in a statement that she was made aware of the verbal threat against the candidates on Thursday. She did not say if she would stop campaigning.
These Toronto mayoral candidates were scheduled to meet on Thursday at the Ontario School of Art and Design before that debate was canceled. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio Canada/Nav Rahi/CBC
A spokeswoman for Mitzie Hunter said she would not be attending another event scheduled for Thursday night. In a statement, the candidate said she would reassess her campaign events on Friday.
Chloe Brown, another contestant, said in a text message that she had no intention of canceling her public appearances and did not believe the threats were directed at her or her team.
For her part, Ana Bailão said that she intends to continue with all her campaign activities and will not be intimidated.
Police were called around 11am this morning between Greenwood Avenue and Mortimer Avenue in East York after a man made death threats. According to police, he appeared to be carrying a gun.
The suspect is a 29-year-old man and is believed to be armed and dangerous. He is about 1.85 m tall and has black hair. The police advise against approaching him.
With information from CBC News