A 29-year-old man who was arrested last week for allegedly making threats against Toronto’s mayoral candidates has been released on bail, according to confirmation from the police. The conditions of his release have not been immediately disclosed.

Junior Francois Lavagesse, a resident of Toronto, was taken into custody and charged on June 1 following multiple threats directed towards the city’s mayoral candidates. The incident unfolded when Lavagesse entered a location near Mortimer and Greenwood avenues in East York, brandishing what appeared to be a firearm and making menacing remarks about the candidates.

Following the threat, the police promptly notified the candidates, leading some of them to cancel campaign events due to safety concerns. Furthermore, a scheduled debate was canceled after several candidates withdrew from participation. Later that evening, Lavagesse was arrested by the police “without incident.”

However, the release of Lavagesse on bail has raised concerns among certain mayoral candidates, given the nature of the allegations against him. Candidate Brad Bradford expressed his concerns in a Twitter video, highlighting the broader issue of violent offenders being released on bail without sufficient checks and balances to ensure community safety. Former police chief Mark Saunders echoed these sentiments, attributing the situation to flaws in the justice system that he has previously addressed during his campaign.

On the other hand, candidate Mitzie Hunter conveyed her confidence in the Toronto Police Service and the court system, stating that she personally feels safe. She mentioned that her campaign has reviewed its safety protocols while continuing to canvass across Toronto.

As of now, frontrunner Olivia Chow and former deputy mayor Ana Bailao have not publicly commented on the situation.

While the release of Lavagesse on bail has sparked discussions regarding public safety and the effectiveness of bail reform, it remains crucial for law enforcement and the justice system to carefully assess and monitor potential risks to ensure the well-being of both candidates and the community. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining security during election periods and the need for ongoing efforts to address any vulnerabilities within the justice system.