The Vancouver Filipino festival attack shattered a joyful celebration on Saturday evening, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder, and they expect to add more charges as investigations continue.
The attack occurred during Vancouver’s annual Lapu Lapu festival, which honors Filipino heritage. Around 20:14 local time, a car sped into crowds gathered at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. Victims ranged in age from five to 65, and police are working diligently to confirm all identities.
Although the suspect was already familiar to police, officials ruled out terrorism. Instead, they highlighted his significant history of mental health challenges. Acting police chief Steve Rai described the tragedy as the “darkest day” Vancouver has ever faced.
Eyewitness accounts vividly captured the horror. Abigail Andiso, a local resident, told the Associated Press, “A car went through the whole street, hitting everyone.” She saw more than 20 injured people and said the scene was filled with screams and chaos.
By Sunday morning, mourners began placing flowers near the scene. Some wept openly, struggling to process the devastation. Donna, a lifelong resident, said, “People came to celebrate. Now, this is a heartbreaking tragedy.”
Community leaders also expressed profound sorrow. RJ Aquino, head of Filipino BC, said, “Last night was extremely difficult, and the pain will stay with us for years.” He described how many residents frantically contacted family members, desperate to confirm their safety.
Police confirmed that bystanders quickly restrained Lo until officers arrived. Despite prior threat assessments, authorities had found no signs of a heightened risk at the festival. Although part of the road had been closed for festivities, no barriers protected the crowd where the attack happened.
The Vancouver Filipino festival attack reverberated across Canada’s political landscape. Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled rallies in Calgary and Richmond, choosing instead to visit the attack site. During a candlelight vigil, Carney expressed his heartbreak and stood alongside grieving families.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also altered his campaign schedule. He visited a Filipino community church in Mississauga with his wife Anaida. “We came here to stand with you in solidarity,” he told the congregation, offering his condolences.
British Columbia NDP leader David Eby described the events as “shocking and devastating.” Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal NDP, attended the festival shortly before the tragedy. Later, Singh reflected, “I saw families gathered in joy. It is heartbreaking that violence tore it apart.”
Every year, Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival attracts tens of thousands. The event commemorates a Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 1500s. Now, however, the joyful spirit has turned into collective mourning.
City officials pledged to review public event security after the Vancouver Filipino festival attack. They promised action to ensure future celebrations remain safe and protected.
