Vancouver Ramming Attack Kills 11, Suspect Charged as Vigils Held/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Authorities charged a 30-year-old man with multiple murders after a vehicle rammed into a Filipino heritage festival crowd in Vancouver, killing 11. Vigils across the city honored the victims as Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the scene. Officials ruled out terrorism, citing mental health concerns.
Vancouver Ramming Attack: Suspect Charged as Vigils Held: Quick Looks
- Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
- Eleven victims killed, ranging from 5 to 65 years old.
- Two dozen others injured; some in critical condition.
- Attack occurred at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver.
- Suspect apprehended by bystanders before police arrived.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign events to visit the site.
- Community holds vigils and prayers for the victims.
- Authorities ruled out terrorism; mental health history cited.
Vancouver Ramming Attack Kills 11, Suspect Charged as Vigils Held
Deep Look
Vancouver Mourns as Ramming Attack Suspect Charged with Multiple Murders
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A horrific ramming attack during Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival has left the city in mourning, as authorities charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder following the death of 11 people and injuries to dozens more.
The black Audi SUV, driven by Lo, plowed into a festive crowd celebrating Filipino heritage, transforming a vibrant spring evening into tragedy. The incident occurred Saturday night as families and visitors flooded the closed streets lined with food trucks in South Vancouver.
Suspect Apprehended by Bystanders
Lo was arrested at the scene after brave bystanders subdued him. Videos circulating on social media show Lo pressed against a fence, surrounded by shouting witnesses before law enforcement intervened. In the footage, Lo could be heard apologizing.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai described the incident as “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.” Authorities confirmed Lo had a history of mental health issues and emphasized there was no evidence linking the act to terrorism. Further charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Victims Remembered Across the City
Those killed ranged in age from 5 to 65. Officials reported that about two dozen individuals were hospitalized, with several remaining in critical condition. The names of the victims had not been publicly released as of Sunday evening.
At vigils across Vancouver, hundreds gathered to mourn. Community members, many carrying flowers and candles, paid tribute to the lives lost. Nathaly Nairn, who had attended the festival with her daughter, tearfully described seeing bodies strewn across the street, saying, “Something really dark happened last night.”
Prime Minister Cancels Events to Visit Site
Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign rallies scheduled ahead of Monday’s federal election to join British Columbia Premier David Eby and local leaders in mourning. Carney lit a candle at a makeshift memorial and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and the broader Filipino-Canadian community.
“Families lost sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. They are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said during his visit.
Horrific Eyewitness Accounts
Festival vendor Kris Pangilinan described the terrifying moment when the SUV accelerated through the crowd. “It looked like a bowling ball hitting pins,” he said. The devastating sounds of bodies being struck haunt his memory.
Other witnesses, like Carayn Nulada, used their bodies to shield loved ones from the oncoming vehicle. Nulada’s brother remains hospitalized with serious injuries, including multiple broken bones.
Vancouver residents like James Cruzat and teenager Vincent Reynon recalled scenes of devastation, with bodies scattered on the street and anguished cries filling the air. “It was like something straight out of a horror movie or a nightmare,” Reynon said.
Community Solidarity Amid Grief
The festival had celebrated Lapu Lapu Day, honoring the Filipino chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization. Vancouver’s Filipino community, numbering over 38,600 residents according to the 2021 census, expressed deep sorrow but also resilience.
Mayor Kenneth Sim acknowledged the collective pain: “I know it’s hard to feel this way right now, but Vancouver is still a safe city.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized that the tragedy would not overshadow the strength and contributions of the Filipino community. He urged channeling grief and anger into support for the victims and their families.
International Support
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended condolences and confirmed that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is working closely with Canadian authorities to support victims and ensure a thorough investigation. A hotline has been established for families seeking information.
Next Steps
As the city mourns, investigators are piecing together the timeline of the attack, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses. Mental health professionals have also been mobilized to assist those traumatized by the tragedy.
The devastating ramming attack has shaken Vancouver, but vigils and community support have illuminated the city’s resilience. As candles continue to flicker across makeshift memorials, residents are united in mourning, remembrance, and calls for healing.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.