Anti-vax protestors target public officials homes in Niagara

Anti-vaxxers showed up at the home of Niagara Region’s chief medical officer Dr. Mustafi Hirji in a protest Tuesday night. 

Reports say around a dozen protestors stood outside Hirji’s residence with flashing lights and yelled vulgar chants.

It is unclear whether anyone was home at the time of the hour-long protest. 

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff and St. Catharines councillor Chris Bittle rallied around Hirji on Twitter. 

It is disturbing to see the threatening behaviour towards Niagara’s Medical Officer of Health, @mustafahirji at his home. This growing trend of protesting at public official’s private homes needs to stop. 1/2

— Walter Sendzik (@WSendzik) December 22, 2021

If people want to protest at government offices – that’s fair but showing up at their home is never acceptable. People involved should be ashamed of themselves. All Dr. Hirji has tried to do is protect our community & for that I am grateful. 2/2

— Walter Sendzik (@WSendzik) December 22, 2021

Awful. @mustafahirji is a professional seeking to do the best he can in challenging and changing times, and under incredible pressure.

If you must, protest at legislatures – not private homes. https://t.co/MHhYmg8hsV

— Sam Oosterhoff (@samoosterhoff) December 22, 2021

This is a terrible escalation of tactics by anti-vaxxers in Niagara. Attempting to intimidate the Medical Officer of Health during the pandemic at his home is a threat aimed at all of us as it is attempting to undermine our collective health and safety. https://t.co/ahjhaM8Bu6

— Chris Bittle (@Chris_Bittle) December 22, 2021

Hirji wasn’t the only one targeted Tuesday night, St. Catharines city councilor Karrie Porter awoke to messages spray painted on her home. She believes her support for health measures and vaccines motivated the attack.