ST. ALBERT, Alta. — The constituency office of Conservative MP Michael Cooper was vandalized for the second time, the Edmonton-area Parliamentarian said Monday, blaming the act on his firm support for Israel and Canada’s Jewish community. The incident occurred at his St. Albert–Sturgeon River office.
Cooper, who has frequently championed Jewish rights and pro‑Israel causes in Parliament, said the masked perpetrators defaced the office exterior with graffiti and left threatening messages. He reported the damage to local law enforcement, who have launched a hate‑motivated vandalism investigation.
“This is the second time my office has been desecrated because I have stood with Israel and with Canada’s Jewish community,” Cooper said in a statement posted online. He called the pattern of vandalism unacceptable and demanded swift legal action.
Cooper’s office was first vandalized earlier this year following his vocal condemnation of antisemitic incidents in Canada. The latest attack comes amid a nationwide uptick in hate crimes targeting Jewish Canadians, the MP noted.
Local police have increased patrols in response to the incident and are reviewing surveillance footage. Authorities are urging witnesses or neighbourhood camera systems to come forward with information.
Members of the Conservative Party and Jewish organizations swiftly denounced both attacks. “Threats and vandalism against elected officials are a direct assault on democracy,” said a party spokesperson, adding that “targeting an MP for standing with Israel is disgraceful.”
Jewish community leaders echoed the concern. “Defacing public spaces to intimidate supporters of Israel is an ugly expression of modern antisemitism,” said a representative from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
Cooper has represented St. Albert–Sturgeon River since 2015. As Shadow Minister for Democratic Reform, he has frequently advocated for stronger measures against hate crimes. He has also lent support to international Jewish causes and human rights initiatives.
The MP said he will continue championing pro‑Israel and Jewish community issues, despite the vandalism. “Canada must remain unwavering in its commitment to protect all its citizens,” he said.
This article is based on verified information from X posts by Michael Cooper and Rabbi E. Poupko, and reporting on the MP’s office vandalism.