A man, named Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder following the horrifying event, described as "the darkest day in the city's history" by acting police chief Steve Rai.
The attack occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which was expected to draw up to 100,000 attendees celebrating Filipino heritage. Witnesses reported seeing chaos as the black SUV plowed into festival-goers around 8:14 PM local time, leading to frantic calls for help amidst the gathering crowds.
Lo, 30, was previously known to police and had a history that raised concerns, although officials clarified the incident was not deemed an act of terrorism. Eyewitness accounts revealed the terrifying moments as the car crashed, with individuals describing scenes filled with panic and numerous casualties.
Organizers expressed profound grief, noting the long-lasting impact on Vancouver's tightly-knit Filipino community, which celebrates its heritage through this annual event. Various political leaders voiced their condolences and called for solidarity in light of the tragedy, as investigators continue to probe the motivations behind the suspect's actions.
The police have warned that the death toll could increase as they assess the extent of injuries and attend to the aftermath of this heart-wrenching incident at a festival meant for joy and togetherness.
The attack occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which was expected to draw up to 100,000 attendees celebrating Filipino heritage. Witnesses reported seeing chaos as the black SUV plowed into festival-goers around 8:14 PM local time, leading to frantic calls for help amidst the gathering crowds.
Lo, 30, was previously known to police and had a history that raised concerns, although officials clarified the incident was not deemed an act of terrorism. Eyewitness accounts revealed the terrifying moments as the car crashed, with individuals describing scenes filled with panic and numerous casualties.
Organizers expressed profound grief, noting the long-lasting impact on Vancouver's tightly-knit Filipino community, which celebrates its heritage through this annual event. Various political leaders voiced their condolences and called for solidarity in light of the tragedy, as investigators continue to probe the motivations behind the suspect's actions.
The police have warned that the death toll could increase as they assess the extent of injuries and attend to the aftermath of this heart-wrenching incident at a festival meant for joy and togetherness.
