The arson attack on Ashfield DeVent’s car on Monday is rightly being condemned across the political landscape.Attacks on politicians’ property are not unknown, but have been mercifully rare. Many years ago, then-Finance Minister Clarence James’ home was firebombed and other MPs have been threatened through the years.That makes this attack no less serious, and regardless of the motive of the attacker, it should be condemned.Some might question whether it is right to be more concerned about an attack on a public figure and legislator than on a person who is less well known.While it would be wrong to suggest that an attack on a private person is less serious, attempts to intimidate elected officials cannot be taken lightly.It is highly likely that whoever did this did it because they disagreed with a position Mr DeVent has taken or to alter a decision he is likely to make.If that’s the case, they have chosen the wrong man, because while Mr DeVent would never claim to be perfect, he has shown himself to be a man of principle and integrity who will not be deterred or discouraged by threats.More broadly, acts like these not only threaten current legislators, they may deter other people considering themselves for public service from doing so.If anything, that is the most serious consequence of this attack, because now more than ever, Bermuda needs leaders of good sense to get the Island out of its current malaise.Now efforts need to be taken both to catch the perpetrator and to ensure that there is no repetition of this attack.Failure to do so would send out the wrong message to the community — that people can commit these kinds of acts and get away with them.If and when the perpetrator is caught, they should receive a heavy sentence as a deterrent to others.