A devastating car ramming attack at the Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver has left 11 people dead and more than 20 others injured. The attack took place during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which celebrates Filipino culture and honours the national hero who resisted Spanish colonisation in the 16th century. Authorities have arrested the suspect, who has a history of mental health problems, and have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
The Attack: A Horrifying Scene of Devastation
At around 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, the suspect drove a black SUV into a crowd of festival-goers, causing mass panic and chaos. Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, with some people being thrown into the air from the impact.
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Kris Pangilinan, who had a pop-up booth at the event, recalled: “He slammed on the gas, barreled through the crowd. All I can remember is seeing bodies flying up in the air higher than the food trucks and landing on the ground. It looked like a bowling ball hitting pins.”
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Carayn Nulada, another witness, described pulling her grandchildren off the street to shield them, while her daughter sustained minor injuries. Nulada was searching for her injured brother at the hospital shortly after the attack.
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James Cruzat, a business owner at the festival, heard a loud bang and saw people crying, running, and lying lifeless or injured on the street.
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Nic Magtajas, a 19-year-old witness, described people being thrown high into the air by the force of the impact.
A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds. pic.twitter.com/Iqh5AK5Au3— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 27, 2025
The Suspect: Kai-Ji Adam Lo and His History of Mental Health Issues
The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, was arrested at the scene. According to Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai, the suspect was initially detained by bystanders before being taken into police custody. Lo’s arrest followed a long history of interactions with both police and healthcare professionals regarding his mental health issues.
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The police have confirmed that Lo acted alone, and terrorism has been ruled out as a motive.
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Lo, who is now facing eight counts of second-degree murder, remains in custody. Prosecutors have suggested the possibility of more charges being added as investigations continue.
The Aftermath: Reactions from Officials and the Community
The attack has left the city of Vancouver, and indeed the entire nation, in shock. Leaders from the Canadian government, the local Vancouver administration, and the Filipino community have expressed deep condolences.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled his campaign event on Sunday and visited the attack site. He said, “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, father, son, or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” fighting back tears during his speech.
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Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim also expressed his shock and sadness, stating that the city stands with the Filipino community and will provide support.
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sent his condolences, noting the strength and resilience of the Filipino community in Canada. He added, "We remember the 1 million strong Filipino community in Canada and pray for their continued strength and resilience."
The attack at the Lapu Lapu festival has left our country shocked, devastated, and heartbroken.
To those grieving, to those who were injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver: Canada is mourning with you, and we are united behind you. pic.twitter.com/GQnubDjQma— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 27, 2025
The Victims: A Range of Ages and Injuries
While the names of the victims have not been officially released, authorities confirmed that those killed ranged in age from 5 to 65. Some of the injured are in critical condition. The tragedy has left many in the Filipino community heartbroken, as the Lapu Lapu Day festival was an important cultural celebration for them.
Vancouver police have ruled out terrorism, focusing their investigation on Lo’s mental health background. Steve Rai emphasised that Lo’s interactions with health care professionals had been significant, indicating that mental health played a role in the incident.
The police have not confirmed whether a video circulating on social media, showing a man surrounded by bystanders and apologising, is of Lo. Rai declined to comment on this during a press briefing.
Suspect Charged: More Possible Charges
Following the attack, Lo was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, but further charges could be added. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and they are still piecing together the full details of the attack.
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Lo made a court appearance after his arrest on Saturday and remains in custody as prosecutors continue their case.
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Police Chief Rai called the attack “the darkest day” in Vancouver’s history, expressing how many lives have been impacted irreversibly by the tragic event.
In the aftermath of the attack, support has poured in from various quarters. Local communities and organisations have rallied around the victims’ families. Despite the overwhelming grief, the Filipino community in Vancouver, as well as those across Canada, have vowed to stay strong and united during this difficult time.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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