In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a local festival intended to celebrate culture turned into a scene of devastation. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder following a fatal car assault at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, where a five-year-old girl was among the 11 confirmed dead. The attack occurred on Saturday night as families gathered to honor Filipino heritage.
Vancouver's Acting Police Chief Steve Rai characterized the incident as "the darkest day in the city's history." While the full identities of the victims have not been disclosed, many members of the city’s vibrant Filipino community, which contains over 140,000 residents, are in mourning. Police confirmed that the suspect had prior interactions with law enforcement concerning mental health issues but emphasized that current evidence does not indicate terrorism.
Festivities were abruptly interrupted around 8:14 PM local time, with witnesses recalling terrifying moments as the black SUV struck festival-goers. Abigail Andiso described the panic that ensued: “I saw one dead, one man on the ground…about 20 people down, and everyone is panicking, everyone is screaming.”
With gatherings canceled in response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his grief during a visit to the site, lighting a candle and meeting families affected by the incident. Politicians across the spectrum have shared their condolences, with some adjusting their campaign strategies in light of the forthcoming federal election.
As the community comes together to heal, organizers of the Lapu Lapu festival lament the long-lasting impact of the tragedy. RJ Aquino from the Filipino BC organization shared, "the community will feel this for a long time," highlighting the strength and resilience of those affected as they navigate this unprecedented sorrow. The sentiment of pain and unity echoes throughout the tight-knit Filipino community, amidst efforts for healing and remembrance.
Vancouver's Acting Police Chief Steve Rai characterized the incident as "the darkest day in the city's history." While the full identities of the victims have not been disclosed, many members of the city’s vibrant Filipino community, which contains over 140,000 residents, are in mourning. Police confirmed that the suspect had prior interactions with law enforcement concerning mental health issues but emphasized that current evidence does not indicate terrorism.
Festivities were abruptly interrupted around 8:14 PM local time, with witnesses recalling terrifying moments as the black SUV struck festival-goers. Abigail Andiso described the panic that ensued: “I saw one dead, one man on the ground…about 20 people down, and everyone is panicking, everyone is screaming.”
With gatherings canceled in response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his grief during a visit to the site, lighting a candle and meeting families affected by the incident. Politicians across the spectrum have shared their condolences, with some adjusting their campaign strategies in light of the forthcoming federal election.
As the community comes together to heal, organizers of the Lapu Lapu festival lament the long-lasting impact of the tragedy. RJ Aquino from the Filipino BC organization shared, "the community will feel this for a long time," highlighting the strength and resilience of those affected as they navigate this unprecedented sorrow. The sentiment of pain and unity echoes throughout the tight-knit Filipino community, amidst efforts for healing and remembrance.
