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Trudeau’s extra security detail was obvious as the Liberal leader was escorted through the boisterous crowd by a large number of plainclothes RCMP officers as well as Mounties dressed in green tactical gear.

The police officers made a point of standing on the stage surveying the crowd while Trudeau spoke and remained close by his side after his speech as the Liberal leader shook hands with members of the crowd before leaving the room.

Photo by REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Prepared remarks had indicated that Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, was to introduce the Liberal leader. She did not appear or take the stage during the rally.

The Peel Regional Police referred questions to the RCMP.

“For security reasons, we do not comment on security measures given to the prime minister,” RCMP spokeswoman Stephanie Dumoulin said in email.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted his concerns.

“Any threat made against @JustinTrudeau, or any leader, is troubling to all of us,” he wrote. “No matter how you vote or believe, no one should face threats of violence. To the officers who protect all of us — thank you.”

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer also weighed in on Twitter.

“Very upsetting to hear that Justin Trudeau had to wear a bulletproof vest tonight at a campaign event. Threats of violence against political leaders have absolutely no place in our democracy. Thank you to the RCMP for taking these threats seriously and keeping us safe,” he wrote.

Liberals had been hoping Saturday’s rally would see Trudeau make a mark in the vote-rich Toronto-area, where the party needs to have a strong showing to have any hope of again forming government.