Vancouver festival attack toll reaches 11, murder charges filed against suspect

Murder charges were filed Sunday against a suspect after a car ramming attack killed 11 people at a Filipino heritage festival in South Vancouver. The suspect, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, and prosecutors say additional charges are expected.

The victims, whose ages ranged from 5 to 65, were among the dozens injured, many of them critically, during the attack on Saturday night.

Lo, a resident, appeared in court and remains in custody, the Associated Press reported citing prosecutors. Authorities said the attack does not appear to be terrorism-related but confirmed the suspect has a documented history of mental health issues and past interactions with police and healthcare professionals.

The tragedy unfolded shortly after 8 p.m. during the Lapu Lapu Day festival. Witnesses reported that a black Audi SUV slowly passed a barricade before the driver suddenly accelerated into a crowded street lined with food trucks and festival goers.

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Kris Pangilinan, a vendor at the event, described the horrifying moment. “He sideswiped someone on his right side and I was like, ‘Oh, yo yo.’ And then he slammed on the gas,” Pangilinan was quoted as saying by AP. “And the sound of the acceleration, it sounds like an F1 car about to start a race,” he further said.

The SUV’s front end was heavily damaged by the impact, and scenes of chaos followed. Attendees rushed to help the wounded, while others tackled and detained the driver until police arrived. Video shared online shows a man in a black hoodie surrounded by angry bystanders, apologizing as he’s held against a chain-link fence.

“This is the darkest day in Vancouver’s history,” said Police Interim Chief Steve Rai during a press conference. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims.

The attack shocked the country just a day before Canada’s federal election. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled all campaign events and offered condolences to the victims and their families, calling the tragedy “every family’s nightmare.” He joined British Columbia Premier David Eby and community leaders Sunday evening in Vancouver.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also expressed sympathy. The Philippine Consulate in Vancouver continues to assist families and work with local authorities to ensure a full investigation.

“The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is working with Canadian authorities to ensure that the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and that the victims and their families are supported and consoled,” he said.

(With inputs from Associated Press)