A man has been charged with multiple counts of murder after a tragic vehicle attack in Vancouver left 11 people dead, including a five-year-old child. The incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a celebration of Filipino culture, on Saturday evening, April 26, 2025. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with the British Columbia Prosecution Service indicating that more charges could follow.
The horrifying event unfolded around 8:14 PM local time when Lo drove a black SUV into a large crowd gathered near 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many festival-goers caught off guard as the vehicle barreled through, injuring dozens more in addition to the fatalities. Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai stated that the victims ranged in age from five to 65 years, highlighting the tragedy’s widespread impact.
Lo was arrested at the scene after bystanders intervened and detained him until police arrived. He appeared in court on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and remains in custody. Investigators have ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack, citing Lo's history of mental health issues as a significant factor. Reports indicate that hours before the incident, his family sought help for him, indicating a desperate attempt to address his deteriorating mental state.
The Lapu Lapu festival, which was in its second year, honors Datu Lapu-Lapu, a national hero in the Philippines known for resisting Spanish colonization. The event attracted thousands, with festivities including live performances and cultural displays. However, the joyous atmosphere turned tragic as the SUV struck festival-goers just as the event was winding down.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing details of the attack. Kris Pangilinan, a vendor at the festival, described the moment the SUV sped into the crowd, saying it was akin to a bowling ball striking pins. “He slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people,” Pangilinan told reporters. “It looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins and all the pins are flying into the air.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed the community's heartbreak during a vigil held in Kensington Park on Sunday. “You can feel it here, the community is devastated,” he said, adding that there was a mix of sadness and anger among the mourners. Sim's sentiments were echoed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who described the incident as a “car ramming attack” and emphasized the profound loss experienced by the victims’ families.
“Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter,” Carney stated during a news conference. “Those families are living every family's nightmare.” The Prime Minister's comments came just a day before federal elections, which added a layer of urgency to the national response.
As the investigation continues, police have stated that they are working to identify all the victims and assess the full extent of injuries, with some individuals reported to be in critical condition. The community has come together to support one another, with floral tributes and messages of solidarity pouring in from across the region and beyond.
The tragedy has also raised questions about mental health resources and the support systems in place for individuals like Lo, who had a known history of mental health issues. Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that Lo had previous interactions with law enforcement and mental health professionals, underscoring the complexities surrounding his mental health struggles.
In the aftermath, community leaders and residents are calling for a deeper conversation about mental health awareness and support. RJ Aquino, chair of the Filipino BC community advocacy group, expressed the profound impact of the incident on local residents. “The community will feel this for a long time,” he said. “We want to tell everybody that we're grieving.”
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has also expressed condolences and is working with Canadian authorities to support the victims' families. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended sympathy to those affected, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and support for the Filipino community in Canada.
As Vancouver grapples with this devastating event, the focus remains on healing and supporting those impacted. The Lapu Lapu festival, which was meant to celebrate cultural heritage, has now become a site of mourning and reflection for the community. As residents come together to honor the memories of those lost, they are also calling for action to prevent future tragedies and ensure that mental health resources are available to those in need.
Moving forward, the community's resilience will be tested as they navigate the aftermath of this dark day in Vancouver’s history. The hope is that through solidarity and support, healing can begin, and lessons learned can pave the way for a safer future.
