Vancouver police confirmed on Sunday morning that eleven people were killed and dozens more injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver on Saturday night. The tragic incident occurred around 8:14 PM on April 26, 2025, near the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, just as the festival's main act had concluded.
Interim police Chief Const. Steve Rai described the event as "the darkest day in our city’s history," adding that the number of deceased could rise in the coming days due to the severity of the injuries sustained by many victims. "This was a senseless, heartbreaking act of violence," he stated during a press conference. "It’s impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever." The victims ranged in age from five to sixty-five years old, with the youngest being a mere five years old.
The suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, was apprehended at the scene after witnesses intervened. He is currently in custody, though no charges have been laid as of yet. Rai confirmed that the driver has a significant history of interactions with police concerning mental health issues, but authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive. "At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism," the Vancouver Police Department tweeted.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival, celebrated annually in British Columbia, honors Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous leader who famously resisted Spanish colonization and defeated Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. The event draws large crowds, and this year marked the second year it was organized as a block party by Filipino community groups in Vancouver.
Witnesses reported that the driver approached the festival from East 43rd Avenue, where barricades had been lifted to allow a vehicle through. Eyewitnesses described the SUV as a black vehicle that accelerated into the crowd after revving its engine. One witness recounted seeing the vehicle drive erratically just moments before the collision.
In the aftermath, disturbing videos circulated on social media, showing paramedics and bystanders assisting injured victims. Many were taken to hospitals across the region, with some suffering serious injuries. As of early Sunday morning, police were still working to identify several of the injured.
B.C. Premier David Eby expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, stating, "What we don’t know is why." He emphasized the need for safe community celebrations, acknowledging the anger many British Columbians feel in response to the tragedy. Eby confirmed that there will be a full review of the city’s event safety measures, including barriers and traffic control, to prevent such incidents in the future.
In a show of solidarity, local organizations Migrante BC and BAYAN BC held a prayer vigil at St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church on Sunday morning. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is also providing hotline numbers for those affected by the tragedy.
Political leaders across Canada have expressed their shock and condolences. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he was "devastated" by the news and offered his deepest sympathies to the Filipino Canadian community. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre echoed similar sentiments, describing the incident as horrific. Philippine Senate President Francis Escudero condemned the act and urged the Philippine consulate to provide assistance to the victims.
As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who attended the festival shortly before the incident, expressed his heartbreak, saying, "I keep on thinking about the kids that I met, the joy. People were so positive and so joyful, and to have such a horrific thing happen, I keep on replaying it." He plans to attend a Filipino mass in Vancouver to show his support for the grieving community.
The Vancouver Police Department has established a 24-hour assistance center at the Douglas Park Community Centre for individuals seeking information about loved ones who attended the festival. Police and victim services professionals are on hand to assist those affected.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for ongoing discussions about mental health support, especially in light of the suspect's history. As the city mourns, the resilience of the Filipino community shines through, with many coming together to support one another in this difficult time.
In the coming days, as investigations unfold, the community will undoubtedly seek answers and strive to heal from the profound loss experienced at what was meant to be a joyous celebration of culture and heritage.
