NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh had insults hurled at him as he made his exit from a provincial election rally in Peterborough.

It happened on Tuesday after an event to promote Ontario NDP candidate Jen Deck. She is running in the Peterborough-Kawartha riding.

A group of protesters accused Singh of being a “traitor” and yelled other expletives at him as he made his way to his SUV.

Singh released a statement on Wednesday saying in part: “I want to especially say to the people of Peterborough- I have visited many times and I know your community is filled with good people who want the best for each other.”

The NDP Leader went on to say that “while disagreements are fundamental to a thriving democracy- hatred, violence and wishing death upon others threaten it.”

Thank you to everyone that has reached out to me after yesterday’s incident in Peterborough.

Here are my thoughts and reflections: pic.twitter.com/Oz81q0S5du

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) May 12, 2022

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath posted on Twitter about the incident saying: “So many times I’ve watched my friend @theJagmeetSingh meet hate with grace – just like he and our candidate Jen Deck did in Peterborough…but they shouldn’t have to. They deserve to live and work freely, without intimidation.”

So many times I’ve watched my friend @theJagmeetSingh meet hate with grace — just like he and our candidate Jen Deck did in Peterborough.

But they shouldn’t have to. They deserve to live and work freely, without intimidation.

Jen and Jagmeet, we’ve got your back. #ONpoli

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) May 11, 2022