VANCOUVER, British Columbia — What was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino heritage turned into a devastating tragedy Saturday when a vehicle plowed into a crowded street festival in South Vancouver, killing 11 people, including a 5-year-old girl and her parents.
The Le family — father Richard Le, stepmother Linh Hoang, and young Katie Le — were among those killed when a black Audi SUV sped through the Lapu Lapu Day festivities, honoring the Filipino chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Richard’s 16-year-old son had opted to stay home to complete homework, escaping the tragedy but now grappling with unimaginable loss, said Richard’s brother, Toan Le.
Katie Le, who was preparing to graduate from kindergarten, was remembered as a “vibrant and joyful child” on a GoFundMe page set up by her uncle. The shocking event marked one of the deadliest mass-casualty incidents in the city’s recent history.
Among the other victims was Kira Salim, a beloved teacher and counselor at the New Westminster School District. Her friend, Makayla Bailey, recounted their final conversation, expressing disbelief that an ordinary greeting could be their last. Salim was known for her lively drag king performances and her vibrant spirit.
The attack unfolded just minutes after Filipino-American artist Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas performed, according to a statement he posted on Instagram, urging his followers to pray for the victims.
Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who now faces eight counts of second-degree murder. Lo, who appeared briefly by video before a judge on Sunday, has not yet entered a plea. Investigators ruled out terrorism as a motive, noting Lo’s significant history of mental health issues. Additional charges are pending, officials said.
At least 32 people were injured, 17 of whom remained hospitalized late Sunday, some in critical condition, according to British Columbia’s Health Ministry. Victims ranged in age from five to 65 years old.
The suspect was detained by bystanders immediately following the attack. Video circulating on social media shows a young man in a black hoodie pressed against a chain-link fence while surrounded by security personnel and an angry crowd. In the footage, the man is seen holding his head and apologizing. Vancouver Interim Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed the suspect’s apprehension but declined to comment on the video.
“This was intended to be a safe, fun, family-friendly community block party,” said police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison. “The actions of one person stole that away from them.”
Investigators spent Monday collecting evidence at the scene and executing a search warrant at a related Vancouver property. Officials are also reviewing bystander videos, which could be key to understanding the full sequence of events.
Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Vancouver on Sunday, canceling his final campaign events before Monday’s national election to stand with victims’ families. “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said, lighting a candle at a growing memorial site.
British Columbia Premier David Eby and other leaders joined mourners across several vigils citywide, emphasizing the shared grief and resilience of the community. Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim said, “The Filipino community and our entire city are heartbroken, sad, scared — and yes, there’s some anger too.”
The attack bore painful echoes of a 2018 tragedy in Toronto, where a man used a van to kill 10 pedestrians.
Festivalgoers described scenes of chaos and heartbreak. Witness Carayn Nulada, attending with her grandchildren, pulled the children off the street and shielded them with her body as the SUV barreled through the crowd. Her daughter narrowly escaped serious injury after being struck on the arm.
“I can still hear the screams,” Nulada said, speaking from Vancouver General Hospital, where she was awaiting updates on her brother, who was seriously injured.
Vendor Kris Pangilinan, who was selling clothing and lifestyle goods at the festival, witnessed the SUV slowly bypass a barricade before accelerating. “It looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins,” he said, describing bodies being thrown into the air.
Business owner James Cruzat initially mistook the loud sounds for gunshots before witnessing the horrifying aftermath. “There were people crying, others running and shouting for help,” he said.
As Vancouver mourns and authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about how future community celebrations can be protected against such unimaginable acts of violence.
