Vancouver’s vibrant Filipino community is in deep mourning following a horrific car ramming attack that claimed the lives of 11 people at the annual Lapu Lapu Day festival on Saturday evening. The joyous celebration of Filipino culture turned into a scene of devastation at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, leaving dozens more injured.
Here’s what we know so far:
What happened?
– A vehicle plowed into a crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver. According to Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai, the incident occurred at approximately 8:14 PM local time.
– Eyewitness Kris Pangilinan, a journalist from Toronto who was at the festival, described the horrifying scene: “[The driver] just slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people. It was like seeing a bowling ball hit — all the bowling pins and all the pins flying up in the air.” He added, “It was like a war zone… There were bodies all over the ground.”
How many people were killed and injured?
Tragically, 11 people lost their lives in the attack. Police confirmed that the victims’ ages range from five to 65. Chief Rai stated that “dozens more are injured, some critically, and some have not yet been identified.” He also cautioned that “the number of dead could rise in the coming days or weeks.”
Who is the suspect?
A 30-year-old male suspect was apprehended at the scene. Chief Rai revealed that the suspect “has a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.” While the suspect has not been formally named as charges have not yet been filed, police have confirmed he is from Vancouver and believed to have acted alone.
Was it terrorism?
Despite the shocking nature of the attack, investigators do not believe it was an act of terrorism. Chief Rai stated with confidence, “the evidence in this case does not lead us to believe this was an act of terrorism.” Vancouver Mayor Ken Simechoed this, suggesting, “It would appear that mental health appears to be the underlying issue here.”
What has been the reaction from the community and officials?
The Filipino community in Vancouver is reeling from the tragedy. RJ Aquino, head of the Filipino BC organisation, expressed the community’s profound grief: “last night was extremely difficult and the community will feel this for a long time… We know that there’s a lot of questions floating about and we don’t have all the answers, but we want to tell everybody that we’re grieving.” He also noted the widespread panic and relief as people checked on their loved ones, saying, “I don’t think my phone has buzzed that much in my entire life.”
Acting police chief Steve Rai described the incident as the “darkest day” in Vancouver’s history. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “heartbroken” and “devastated” by the attack, which occurred just before Canada’s federal election. He cancelled large campaign gatherings as a sign of respect.
The organisers of the festival, Filipino BC, released a statement saying: “We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims.”
What about safety measures at the event?
Chief Rai stated that a threat assessment was conducted prior to the festival, and a road behind a school where festivities were centered was partially closed. He added there was “nothing to indicate a higher threat level” for the event and no barriers were in place on the street where the attack occurred, which was primarily used by food trucks. He acknowledged that the incident would be a “watershed moment” for reviewing event safety protocols. Mayor Sim has directed a full review of the city’s event safety measures.
The investigation into this devastating incident is ongoing, led by the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The city is now focused on supporting the victims, their families, and the grieving Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.
