In a shocking incident during the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, a 30-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of murder after allegedly killing 11 people by ramming a crowd with his vehicle. The suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, faces eight counts of second-degree murder following his arrest at the scene on Saturday evening, according to Damienne Darby, a spokeswoman for British Columbia prosecutors. The festival, which celebrates Filipino heritage, was attended by hundreds, and this tragic event has led to widespread mourning across the city.
The attack occurred just after 8 p.m. on Saturday when a black Audi SUV sped down a closed street, striking festival-goers enjoying the event. Witnesses report that the victims ranged in age from 5 to 65, with about two dozen others injured, some critically. Despite the severity of the situation, authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive and are investigating Lo's history of mental health issues, with more charges potentially forthcoming.
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes as the SUV barreled through the crowd, with sounds of screams and chaos filling the air. Kris Pangilinan, who had set up a pop-up clothing booth at the festival, recounted seeing the vehicle enter slowly before it accelerated into a densely packed area. “It looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins,” Pangilinan remarked, vividly recalling the terror of the moment.
In the wake of this devastating event, vigils have been held across Vancouver to honor the victims. Nathaly Nairn, who attended the festival with her daughter, expressed her sorrow, stating, “Something really dark happened last night.” Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the site to pay his respects, emphasizing the tragedy's impact on families and the broader community. “Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said, extending condolences to the Filipino Canadian community and all those affected.
Vancouver’s police interim chief, Steve Rai, described the incident as “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.” While there is no clear motive yet, he noted that the suspect has had numerous interactions with law enforcement and health care professionals, particularly concerning mental health.
Witnesses shared their harrowing experiences, with many describing how they narrowly escaped tragedy. Carayn Nulada recounted how she shielded her grandchildren from the approaching SUV, while others like James Cruzat and Vincent Reynon described the chaos and horror of the moment. “It was like something straight out of a horror movie,” Reynon remarked, highlighting the profound emotional impact of the event.
In light of the tragedy, Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim reassured the community, stating, “I know many of us are fearful and feel uneasy; however, Vancouver is still a safe city.” The vast Filipino community in Vancouver, which accounted for approximately 5.9% of the city’s population in 2021, is mourning this loss deeply. The Lapu Lapu Day festival, which commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization, was meant to celebrate cultural heritage but has now been overshadowed by this horrific event.
British Columbia Premier David Eby called for unity in the face of this tragedy, urging the community to channel their anger into support for those affected. “This is a community that gives and gives, and yesterday was a celebration of their culture,” Eby said. In response to the incident, the Philippine government has expressed sympathy and is working with local authorities to ensure that victims’ families receive the necessary support.
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has established a hotline for families seeking information and assistance regarding the investigation and the victims. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also offered condolences, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations and support for the grieving families.
This tragic incident at the Vancouver Filipino heritage festival serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for community solidarity in times of crisis. As the city mourns, it is essential to come together to support the victims' families and ensure that such an event is not defined by violence, but rather by the strength and resilience of the community.
