Vancouver’s darkest day: 11 killed in horrific attack at Filipino festival

International

HORROR ripped through a Filipino festival in Vancouver when a driver plowed into a crowd, killing 11 people — including a five-year-old child — in what police have called the darkest day in the city's history.

The attack unfolded shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday during the Lapu-Lapu Day festival, an event celebrating Philippine national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain who defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan in 1521. The festival, a proud celebration of Filipino heritage, was marred by tragedy as the car tore through the crowd, leaving 11 dead and at least 20 others injured. The victims ranged in age from five to 65.

Vancouver police have charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected. Authorities confirmed Lo had a long history of interactions with both police and mental health services.

Vancouver’s Interim Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed the suspect had “a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health," adding that there was no indication the attack was linked to terrorism. Rai called it “the darkest day in our city's history” and said the tragedy would serve as a “watershed moment” for policing public events in Vancouver.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed the nation's shock and heartbreak, saying Canada was left “shocked, devastated and heartbroken.” He canceled his campaign events in Calgary, Richmond, and British Columbia ahead of Monday’s federal election.

“This is the darkest day in our city's history,” Rai told reporters. “The community will feel this for a long time,” said RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, a community advocacy group. “We want to tell everybody that we're grieving. We want to tell everybody that we see and hear the support from around the world at this point.”

Dozens of victims were hospitalized, some in critical condition. Authorities warned that the death toll could still rise. Over 100 officers are involved in the investigation, with support from provincial and federal agencies. Messages of grief and solidarity have poured in from around the world.

The attack came just two days before Canadians head to the polls. Carney delayed his campaign schedule Sunday morning before addressing the nation from Hamilton, Ontario.

"Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family's nightmare," Carney said. “I join all Canadians in mourning with you. I know that Canadians are united with you,” he added.

Police confirmed there were no known threats to the festival or the Filipino community. Witnesses reported that festival-goers subdued the suspect before police arrived. The injured were rushed to multiple hospitals across Vancouver.