Brampton Mayor Under Police Protection After Death Threat Against Him and His Family

Brampton, Ont., Mayor Patrick Brown announces his candidacy for the federal Conservative Party leadership at a rally in Brampton on March 13, 2022. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has been placed under police protection after he and his family received a death threat, according to Peel Regional Police, who are investigating the incident.

Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich confirmed the threat and the increased security provided to Brown during an unrelated press conference on July 15.

He shared few details about the nature of the threat or how long Brown has been under police protection, saying that while police are “very close” to being able to release more information, disclosing further details at this point could jeopardize the investigation.

“We have received and are investigating a threat that was made not just against the mayor, but his family as well,” Milinovich said.

“Because of the nature of that threat, we felt it was prudent, out of an abundance of caution, to supplement him with police security until that threat was investigated appropriately.”

He added the threats came from within Canada.

Brown, who was present at the press conference, said he felt he and his family are safe because he has “great confidence” in the Peel police.

“This is not the first time I’ve received a death threat—I did so a number of years ago,” Brown said. “I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

He added the threats will not make him change his approach to being outspoken about public safety.

Brown has been the mayor of Brampton since 2018. He previously served as a Conservative MP for the Ontario riding of Barrie from 2006 to 2015, and as leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party from 2015 to 2018.

He has spoken out on several public safety issues, including the need to address human trafficking targeting international students in Canada, and the growing push to name India’s Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group.

At the July 15 press conference, which announced the results of a Peel police investigation into an organized criminal network tied to home invasions across the Greater Toronto Area, Brown voiced support for holding such networks accountable, especially those he says exploit young people.

Milinovich said the police protection provided to Brown is similar to what most police services would offer if they had access to the same information on the threat and its risk assessment.

“We want to make sure that somebody that is here, representing our community, and because of some of the stances that they have taken, is well protected, and there’s no issues in relation to their safety and security while we are conducting the investigation,” he said.