MPP Sattler’s London constituency office vandalized in apparent targeted attack

London West MPP Peggy Sattler’s office was heavily vandalized over the weekend. Here’s CTV’s Gerry Dewan with the story.

The constituency office of London West MPP Peggy Sattler was the target of vandalism early Sunday morning, with windows smashed in what Sattler described as an “unsettling” and “targeted attack.”

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. at her office located on Commissioners Road West.

Windows were also broken in an adjoining unit that was reportedly being used for storage by another tenant. The building houses commercial space on the ground floor with apartments on the upper levels.

“It is unsettling, for sure,” Sattler stated in response to the incident. “But, you know, we’re in this business to help people and we’re going to keep doing that.”

Sattler noted that a neighbour’s security camera captured video footage that appeared to show a deliberate act of vandalism against her office. In a post on social media, she shared that she and her staff are “shaken” but remain available to assist the public.

London police Const. Matt Dawson confirmed that the investigation has been assigned to the London Police Patrol Operations Investigative section.

“Using video surveillance from the area to identify suspects in hopes that we can lay a charge and bring this to a conclusion,” Dawson said.

He emphasized that any damage to property is unacceptable, “Our concern here is community safety. And that always is the concern of the police service. That’s our top priority.”

Sattler stressed the importance of sending a message that politically motivated crimes cannot be tolerated, “I understand, people are angry right now. People are frustrated. There’s a lot of anxiety and insecurity. And, you know, people are worried about their future. But this is not an acceptable way to make a political statement.”

She added, “The staff who work for elected representatives deserve a safe workplace, and it is important that members of the community feel welcomed and safe at my office as well. Acts like this accomplish nothing and only serve to undermine the fundamentals of a healthy democracy.”

At this point, Sattler said there is nothing to indicate that anything was taken or that anyone attempted to enter the office.

In the fall of 2023, charges were laid after protestors opposing the Israeli siege on Gaza sprayed ketchup, intended to represent blood, on the constituency office of London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos.

Staff from Sattler’s office were on site Sunday cleaning up broken glass. The landlord promptly replaced the glass in the office door to allow operations to resume Monday morning, although Sattler indicated that temporary closures may be necessary as remaining glass is replaced.

The office, which has maintained a policy of keeping its door locked and buzzing in visitors for several years, is now exercising extra caution in screening individuals before they enter.