"Latest updates on the Vancouver vehicle attack"

Eleven Dead Following Suspected Vehicle Attack at Vancouver Festival

Eleven individuals have died following a suspected vehicle ramming incident in Vancouver, Canada, during a festival celebrating Filipino culture on Saturday. Dozens more sustained injuries.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who is currently in police custody and faces multiple charges of second-degree murder.

Details of the Incident
The attack occurred at approximately 20:14 local time (03:14 GMT Sunday) during the annual Lapu Lapu Festival, held to honor the Filipino national hero Lapu-Lapu. Police reported that tens of thousands of attendees were present at the event, located near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in south Vancouver.

Eyewitnesses described a single vehicle plowing through the crowded festival. "A car went through the whole street, hitting everyone," Abigail Andiso told the Associated Press. Another witness, James Cruzat, described the scene as "heartbreaking," comparing the chaos to scenes from movies.

Several witnesses noted that some victims were near food trucks when the vehicle struck. Bystanders apprehended the driver, who was then taken into custody by responding officers.

About the Lapu Lapu Festival
The Lapu Lapu Festival commemorates the indigenous Filipino leader Lapu-Lapu, celebrated for resisting Spanish colonization in the 16th century. In 1521, Lapu-Lapu and his warriors defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan, delaying Spanish conquest for decades.

The festival has significant meaning for Filipino communities worldwide, including British Columbia, where Lapu Lapu Day was officially recognized in 2023. Filipinos comprise one of the largest immigrant populations in the province.

Victims of the Attack
During a brief press conference, Acting Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that the victims included men, women, and children, ranging in age from five to 65 years old. The tragedy has had a profound impact on Vancouver’s Filipino community.

RJ Aquino, leader of the Filipino BC organization, remarked, "Last night was extremely difficult and the community will feel this for a long time," emphasizing the collective grief and the many unanswered questions that remain.

Information About the Suspect
Authorities have formally charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation progresses.

Police do not believe the attack was linked to terrorism. Acting Chief Rai stated that Lo has a "significant history of interactions with police and healthcare providers concerning mental health issues." Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim echoed this, noting that mental health challenges appeared to be a key factor in the incident.

Officials have not provided further details about Lo’s previous encounters with law enforcement or mental health services, aside from confirming there were no recent interactions prior to the attack.