Vancouver Festival Tragedy: Man Charged After SUV Hits Crowd, Killing 11

A 30-year-old man has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder following a devastating incident at a street festival in Vancouver, Canada, where 11 people, including a five-year-old girl, lost their lives.

Kai-Ji Adam Lo appeared in court late Sunday and remains in custody as Vancouver authorities continue their investigation. Police expect additional charges to be filed.

The tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, an annual celebration that draws tens of thousands, primarily from Vancouver’s large Filipino community. Acting police chief Steve Rai described it as the “darkest day in the city’s history.”

At around 8:14 p.m. local time, a black SUV drove through East 43rd Avenue, a street lined with food trucks and festival-goers. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as the vehicle struck numerous people before coming to a stop. Bystanders detained the suspect until police arrived.

Authorities confirmed that dozens were injured, some critically, and warned that the death toll could rise. Victims ranged in age from 5 to 65.

The Vancouver Police Department emphasized that the attack is not being treated as an act of terrorism. Interim Chief Rai noted that the suspect had a “significant history of interactions” with police and mental health professionals.

The Filipino community, one of the largest immigrant groups in Vancouver, has been deeply affected. RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, said:

“We are grieving and feeling the impact that will last for a long time.”

Local, provincial, and federal officials have expressed condolences. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign events to visit the site and meet with victims’ families. Opposition leaders also paused political activities to show solidarity with the community.

The Lapu Lapu Day festival commemorates a Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization. Vancouver had officially recognized April 27 as Lapu Lapu Day in 2023, celebrating the cultural contributions of Filipino-Canadians.

Police are urging anyone with images, videos, or information to come forward to aid the investigation. A 24-hour assistance center has been set up for those seeking loved ones or needing support.

The community is now mourning lives lost during what was meant to be an evening of celebration, with tributes and vigils already taking place across the city.

Reuters, BBC, CBC, and Vancouver Police Department contributed to this report.