A horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 11 individuals, including a five-year-old girl. A 30-year-old man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder following the attack when his vehicle crashed into a crowd of festival-goers, which was estimated to include around 100,000 people.
Vancouver’s police chief described Saturday’s events as the “darkest day in the city's history,” indicating the seriousness of the situation. Lo made his first court appearance late Sunday and remains in custody. Authorities expect additional charges may follow as investigations continue.
Though the identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, police noted that many more individuals sustained injuries during the chaos. They assured the public that the attack is not being classified as terrorism, with police sources stating they had prior knowledge of the suspect, who has a troubling history involving both mental health issues and police encounters.
Witnesses spoke of the harrowing moments as chaos erupted, with some describing a scene filled with panic and sorrow. Abigail Andiso, a local resident, recounted seeing multiple casualties and expressed the overwhelming fear of the crowd.
Police have warned that the death toll may unfortunately increase as investigations proceed, and acting police chief Steve Rai has emphasized the community’s need for healing. “Our community is grieving,” said RJ Aquino, head of the Filipino BC organization, stressing the emotional blow to the tight-knit Filipino community.
The annual Lapu Lapu festival, a celebration of a Filipino national hero, has turned into a somber occasion. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign events in light of the tragedy, expressing his devastation and visiting the scene to pay his respects.
Political leaders from various parties have also shared their condolences with the community. Gathering for vigils, offering support, and expressing their sadness reflect a united front against such violence.
As the community mourns, discussions are growing regarding resilience and recovery alongside a broader conversation about public health, safety, and the role of mental health awareness in preventing such tragedies in the future.
