A deadly car ramming incident occurred during the Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver, resulting in 11 fatalities and leaving many others injured. The 30-year-old suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
Lo was apprehended by bystanders at the scene and later taken into police custody. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, though Lo has a history of mental health issues and previous interactions with law enforcement and healthcare professionals.
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The attack happened on Saturday evening at around 8:14 p.m. near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in south Vancouver. Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the vehicle sped through the festival crowds, hitting people in its path. Local resident Abigail Andiso recounted the frightening scene, where she saw victims on the ground and people panicking as the car continued its rampage.
The Lapu-Lapu festival, which celebrates Filipino culture, was attended by thousands of families and young people. Vancouver’s Filipino community, numbering over 140,000, has expressed profound shock and grief over the tragedy.
RJ Aquino, head of Filipino BC, called the incident devastating and said the community is mourning deeply. Vancouver’s acting police chief, Steve Rai, referred to the attack as the “darkest day” in the city’s history, with many victims still in critical condition.
Public figures, including Mayor Ken Sim and Prime Minister Mark Carney, visited the site to offer condolences. Opposition leaders also joined in expressing sorrow. The festival, which honors the Filipino national hero Lapu-Lapu, has always been a significant cultural event, and organizers have promised to support the affected families.
Although the event had been assessed for threats, no major concerns were raised, and the lack of barriers or precautions may lead to future re-evaluations of safety measures for such gatherings.
