Politics

Security increased as Hells Angels share Stephen Harper's hotel

Extra security precautions had to be taken for Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and his family Thursday when the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club rolled in to stay at the same east-end Toronto hotel.

Conservative leader and his family stayed at east-end Toronto hotel following leaders' debate

Members of various motorcycle clubs, including the Hells Angels, get their bikes ready outside a hotel Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 in Toronto. The group, in town to attend a funeral, were staying at the same hotel as Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and his family. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)

Extra security precautions had to be taken for Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and his family Thursday evening when the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club rolled in to stay at the same east-end Toronto hotel.

About 30 bikers wearing Hells Angels, Red Devils and Nomad patches arrived at the Scarborough hotel on Thursday afternoon. Many members of the groups remained outside by their Harley Davidson motorcycles into Friday morning.

Multiple sources told CBC News security was immediately increased but wouldn't elaborate.

Conservative campaign spokesman Kory Teneycke said in an email, "We don't comment on PM security issues."

Bikers sporting Hells Angels Motorcycle Club insignias talk in the parking lot of a Scarborough hotel Friday morning, the same hotel used by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and his family following Thursday night's leaders' debate. (CBC)

Reporters who had been getting on and off the Conservative campaign bus at the entrance of the hotel were instead  taken through the back entrance Friday morning because campaign buses were parked out of sight.

Hotel staff who didn't want to be identified said the bikers stay at the hotel on a regular basis.

One biker told CBC News he was unaware that Harper was there. Another member said he knew Harper's wife, Laureen, was at the hotel.

The Conservative campaign buses were parked at the rear of the hotel Friday morning, away from the front entrance where bikers stood with their motorcycles. (CBC)