BC’s top health officials responded to recent violent threats on Thursday, calling them “disgraceful” and “not acceptable”.
The comments come after video clips recently surfaced from a gathering in a Lower Mainland condo where one guest blatantly suggests Dr. Bonnie Henry should be shot or hanged.
During her live press briefing, an emotional Henry took the high road with a response that echoed her “be kind, be calm and be safe” mantra.
"It really is not acceptable, and what I find most disturbing is how it impacts the people I work with, my family and close friends," she said.
“I recognize that when people are in crisis, part of the way they respond or react is to lash out, to become angry, that is a reaction that is sometimes fed by certain groups, by certain media, social media posts, etc. It's not to condone it, but it's to recognize that the psychology of what we're dealing with leads some people to react to that way.”
Henry also added that she has a security system at her Vancouver Island home and checks in with people regularly.
Health Minister Adrian Dix described the threats as "disgraceful" saying that regardless of the criticism she's faced, Henry continues to show compassion for everyone during this health crisis.
"We live in a democratic society and it's legitimate to disagree about the pandemic, but some of the disagreements are totally unacceptable," said Dix.
"Dr. Henry is an extraordinary leader, however, that doesn't mean she's right all the time, nobody is."
Vancouver police have confirmed they are actively investigating the threats and participants in the video.
