At least 11 people lost their lives and “dozens” were injured when a vehicle crashed into a crowd during a street festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening.
Officials have described the incident as a “mass casualty event.”
Vancouver Police reported on social media that a “30-year-old suspect, a Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene” and stated later, “At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism.”
Authorities identified the suspect as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who now faces eight counts of second-degree murder as charged by the BC Prosecution Service. Additional charges are anticipated following ongoing assessments.
The Incident and its Impact
The suspect, believed to have acted alone, appeared in court on Sunday and remains in custody. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in brief remarks delivered from Hamilton, Ontario, stated, “The suspect is believed to have acted alone, and there is currently no active threat to Canadians.”
A dark shadow loomed over Vancouver’s cultural celebrations as Interim Police Chief Constable Steve Rai described the incident:
“This is the darkest day in our city’s history. Last night, as thousands of members of Vancouver’s Filipino community gathered for an important cultural celebration, the actions of a single person shattered our collective sense of safety.”
Saturday’s festival, Lapu-Lapu Day, aimed to honor Filipino culture and a Philippine national hero. Crowds had filled the South Vancouver neighborhood before a vehicle “drove into a large crowd of people” at approximately 8:14 p.m., as shared by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
In a statement, Sim expressed empathy for those affected, calling the incident “horrific” and saying, “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Rai disclosed on Sunday that the victims ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old and cautioned that the number of fatalities may rise.
He added that prior assessments of the festival had revealed “no known threats to the event or to the Filipino community,” emphasizing the unexpected nature of the tragedy.
Scenes of Chaos
Videos verified by ABC News revealed the aftermath of the incident, showing first responders aiding the injured amid food trucks lining East 43rd Avenue. A black SUV, heavily damaged on its hood, appeared in the footage but has not been officially identified by the police.
Prime Minister Carney voiced his sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
He confirmed that at least 20 additional people were injured in the attack and expressed gratitude for the quick action taken by emergency services.
Carney’s statement concluded, “We are closely monitoring the situation and are grateful to our first responders for their swift action.”
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