VANCOUVER—Vancouver police have laid murder charges against 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo after a black SUV drove into a crowd celebrating Filipino culture on East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, killing 11 people and injuring more than two dozen at the annual Lapu-Lapu Day block party. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and point to the suspect’s history of mental illness as the likely cause.
Charges and Suspect Background
On Sunday evening, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) announced that Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues. The charge assessment remains ongoing, and police confirmed that Lo was a Vancouver resident known to law enforcement and mental health professionals.
Police Response and Investigation
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai warned at a news conference that the death toll could rise as critically injured victims are still being treated across nine hospitals in the Lower Mainland. Within hours of the crash, officers cordoned off the scene and detained Lo after bystanders captured and held him until police arrived. Evidence indicates he intentionally drove through food trucks and pedestrians in the pedestrian-only zone.
Mental Health, Not Terrorism
Mayor Ken Sim stressed that there is “no indication this was an act of terrorism,” attributing the tragedy to underlying mental health issues. “Their collective safety and security were stolen when a man in a vehicle drove through a festival,” Sim said. Both the VPD and the City of Vancouver are reviewing event planning protocols, including barricade placement and dedicated police presence, to prevent similar incidents.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Shock
Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of a food truck at the festival, described hearing engine revving before seeing “bodies everywhere” in what had been a celebration of community. Witness video footage shared on social media and verified by authorities shows first responders attending to the injured as onlookers—many in tears—searched desperately for loved ones.
Government Condolences and Support
British Columbia Premier David Eby pledged provincial support, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences on social media, calling the losses “every family’s nightmare.” In a national address, Carney invoked a Tagalog term celebrating Filipino unity, urging Canadians to draw on the “spirit of cooperation and community” during this crisis. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also expressed horror and solidarity with Vancouver’s Filipino community.
Understanding Lapu-Lapu Day
Declared an official provincial observance in 2023, Lapu-Lapu Day commemorates the April 27, 1521, victory of Indigenous leader Lapu-Lapu over Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The annual East Vancouver festival honors Filipino heritage through food, music, and dance, drawing thousands—among nearly one million Filipino Canadians nationwide—to celebrate resilience and resistance to colonialism.
Vigils and Community Gatherings
In response to the tragedy, the city has organized a community gathering and vigil from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the festival site. Mayor Sim and community leaders will meet with families of victims and survivors, offering support and resources. Mental health professionals and local organizations are mobilizing to provide counselling to those affected.
Next Steps in the Investigation
More than 100 VPD officers continue to work the case, sifting through video evidence and witness statements to build the prosecution. Police and city officials will jointly assess security measures for future public events, including the feasibility of heavy-vehicle barricades and increased mental health outreach. As charges evolve, authorities urge anyone with information to contact Vancouver police.
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