Vancouver Tragedy: 11 Dead After Car Rams Filipino Festival | Suspect Charged with Murder

Suspect Charged After Car Rams Into Vancouver Filipino Festival, Killing 11

Tragedy Strikes During Filipino Heritage Celebration

A suspect has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver on Saturday night, killing at least 11 people in what police are calling "the darkest day" in the city’s history.

Suspect Identified and Arrested at the Scene

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was apprehended at the scene with help from bystanders.
Police said Lo has a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities. He appeared in court and remains in custody, according to a Sunday statement from Vancouver Police.

Victims and Casualties

Ages of Victims and Current Status

Victims ranged in age from five to 65, with dozens more injured — some critically — and some yet to be identified, interim Police Chief Steve Rai said during a press conference. Additional charges are expected.

City Response to the Tragedy

The City of Vancouver has ordered flags to fly at half-mast across all city buildings in honor of the victims.

A Day of Celebration Turns to Horror

The festival, celebrating Lapu Lapu Day, was organized to honor an Indigenous Filipino leader who resisted Spanish colonization.
The event, meant to celebrate culture and diversity, turned tragic around 8 p.m. when a black Audi SUV rammed into the crowd near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.

Eyewitness Accounts: "Like a War Zone"

Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic and horrifying.
“It was like a war zone,” said Kris Pangilinan, a Toronto-based journalist. “Bodies were all over the ground.”
Footage showed debris scattered across the street, emergency responders tending to the injured, and a black SUV abandoned with severe front-end damage.

Investigation and Motive

Mental Health Concerns

Authorities stated that there is no indication of terrorism. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim indicated that mental health issues appear to be the underlying cause.

Ongoing Police Investigation

The Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section is leading the investigation. Police confirmed that the suspect acted alone and urged witnesses to come forward with any information.

National and International Reactions

Prime Minister and Local Leaders Respond

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, assuring Canadians that there is no ongoing threat.
British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims.

Philippine President's Message

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed that the victims would "not be forgotten" and instructed Filipino diplomats in Vancouver to provide support to affected families.

Reviewing Event Security Measures

Mayor Ken Sim announced a full review of safety protocols for public events in Vancouver.
Although a prior risk assessment found no credible threats, the city and police plan to reevaluate their event planning processes to prevent future tragedies.

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