North Vancouver police are asking the public to help identify two persons of interest following explosions at an NDP MLA’s office.
RCMP were called out to MLA Bowinn Ma’s office in the 200 block of West Esplanade Avenue around 4:30 a.m. on June 27 for reports of explosions. Officers found damage to the door consistent with a detonation, RCMP said at a news conference on July 8.
“Investigators can confirm the damage was consistent with a detonation of what is believed to be an unsophisticated homemade device initiated by a burning fuse. It could potentially be multiple bear bangers or commercially available fireworks taped together to increase the explosive potential of the item,” Cpl. Mansoor Sahak told reporters.
He said investigators have reviewed CCTV footage, interviewed several witnesses, and followed up on multiple tips from the public and have identified persons of interest in the case.
“Police believe that two individuals captured on video are persons of interest and are seeking to identify them,” Sahak said.
The first person has been described as a Caucasian man with short, balding hair, and a stocky build. He was seen wearing a black jacket, dark t-shirt, and jeans.
The second individual has been described as a Caucasian man with a slender build. He was wearing a long blonde wig, black hoodie, and dark blue pants.
“The public plays a very important role in this investigation, and sometimes even a small tip can be the final piece of the puzzle in a complex investigation,” Sahak said.
He said police are still investigating and do not have any information on motivation behind the explosions.
“At this point, we don’t have any information that this was a politically motivated incident,” he said, adding that it could change as the investigation unfolds.
He said the incident at Ma’s office was linked to an earlier explosion that damaged a street sign on the 100 block of West 1st Street, around 2:45 a.m. on June 27. At the time, officers responded but did not find anything.
Sahak said that police believed the persons of interest were involved in both incidents.
Police have increased their presence in the area following the incident by adding more foot patrols in the Lonsdale area in the days after the incident to deter “any continued mischief to buildings,” Cpl. Sahak said. He also said the presence of the officers was to reassure the public and enhance community safety.
Sahak said police were looking at mischief charges in the case, but that could change as the investigation unfolds.
Ma spoke publicly about the incident for the first time during a news conference on July 3, saying she had been reflecting on how frightening the situation could be for a community.
“I want the community to know that my office continues to be there to support them, and that I have full confidence in the RCMP as they conduct their investigation,” Ma said at the time.
After the incident, Premier David Eby said his thoughts were with Ma, her staff, and the community, and that everyone had a right to a safe workplace.
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad called the incident “deeply concerning” and said that no one in the province should feel scared to go to work. He also said that every member of the Legislative Assembly should stand with Ma.
Ma was first elected in 2017 and has served as the minister of emergency management and climate readiness.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact RCMP at 604-985-1311, and quote file number 25-13204.
