VANCOUVER — A 30-year-old man from Vancouver, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly ramming an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino community festival, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more, authorities said Sunday.
Lo, who has a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities, was arrested at the scene Saturday evening and appeared in court on Sunday without entering a plea. Prosecutors said more charges are expected.
Police emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting terrorism as a motive. “This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” said Interim Police Chief Steve Rai during a press conference.
The tragic incident occurred during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver’s Sunset neighborhood, an area known for its vibrant Asian community. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with bodies scattered across the road and a damaged black Audi SUV at the center of the devastation.
More than 100 police officers are working on the investigation, and officials have warned that the death toll could still rise.
Community leaders, including RJ Aquino from Filipino BC, expressed deep sorrow but thanked the global outpouring of support. British Columbia Premier David Eby called for unity, vowing to support grieving families.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who delayed campaign events due to the tragedy, offered his condolences, saying, “Families are living every family’s nightmare.”
Witnesses said festival-goers managed to subdue the driver until police arrived. The festival, celebrating Filipino hero Datu Lapu-Lapu, was nearing its conclusion when the attack happened.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest mass casualty incidents in Canada in recent years, reviving painful memories of similar vehicular attacks.