VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A man has been charged with multiple counts of murder after authorities say he deliberately rammed a vehicle into a crowd gathered for a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more in what officials describe as a tragedy rooted in mental health issues rather than terrorism.
Police announced Sunday that Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with authorities signaling that additional charges are likely as the investigation continues. Lo was apprehended at the scene by members of the crowd and turned over to law enforcement.
“The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated,” Vancouver police said in a statement Sunday evening, noting that the death toll could still rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
The attack unfolded at approximately 8:14 p.m. local time at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street during the city’s Lapu-Lapu Day celebrations, an annual festival honoring Filipino history and culture. Witnesses described scenes of horror as a black SUV accelerated into a pedestrian-only area lined with food trucks, turning a joyous block party into a scene of chaos and devastation.
Graphic videos circulating on social media and verified by NBC News captured the immediate aftermath: first responders attending to victims scattered across the street, distressed bystanders weeping and comforting one another, and the crumpled remains of food trucks and vendor stands. The suspect’s vehicle was seen wrecked in the middle of the street, having crashed after mowing down attendees.
“This was supposed to be a celebration of community, culture, and heritage,” said Steve Rai, Vancouver’s interim police chief, during a somber press conference on Sunday. “Instead, lives were senselessly stolen, and many others forever changed.”
Rai described the victims as diverse in age and gender, ranging from five to 65 years old. He also emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the attack was an act of terrorism or motivated by hate, stating, “Mental health appears to be the underlying issue here.”
Mayor Ken Sim echoed that sentiment, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident,” Sim said on social media, promising support for Vancouver’s Filipino community during this difficult time.
Officials confirmed that Lo had a well-documented history of mental illness and prior interactions with both police and health care services. However, authorities stressed that there had been no recent encounters with Lo leading up to Saturday’s tragedy.
At the time of the incident, no specific threats had been reported against the festival or the broader Filipino community. As a result, police determined that heavy security measures such as barricades and a substantial officer presence were not necessary. Rai said a full review of the event’s security planning would now be conducted.
More than 100 Vancouver police officers are actively involved in the investigation. Victims were rushed to nine area hospitals, including Vancouver General Hospital, the city’s primary trauma center, which confirmed it had received multiple patients in critical condition.
Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of one of the food trucks stationed at the event, recounted the horror to the Vancouver Sun. “I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road, and there’s just bodies everywhere,” Vardeh said, describing how he heard the engine revving moments before the SUV barreled through the crowd.
“It’s the kind of thing you hear about happening in the States, not here,” Vardeh added, still visibly shaken by the night’s events.
The annual Lapu-Lapu Day commemorates the victory of Indigenous Filipino leader Lapu-Lapu over the forces of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, a historic event celebrated as a symbol of resistance to colonialism. British Columbia officially recognized Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023, highlighting the rich contributions of the Filipino community to Canadian society.
Canada is home to nearly one million people of Filipino descent, according to the 2021 census, making them one of the largest immigrant communities in the country.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation on Sunday morning, offering condolences and solidarity. He described the attack as “every family’s nightmare” and urged Canadians to support the Filipino community through unity and compassion. Carney referenced the Filipino concept of bayanihan, a spirit of communal cooperation and support, as a guiding principle for the nation’s response.
British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed grief, assuring residents that his government was coordinating with Vancouver officials and offering all necessary assistance.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democrat Party, wrote on social media that he was “horrified” by the tragedy and voiced his support for the victims and the grieving Filipino community.
A vigil was planned for Sunday evening at a community center in Vancouver, where Mayor Sim and other officials were expected to meet with members of the Filipino community and offer condolences. The gathering was scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Police have asked witnesses and those with video footage of the incident to come forward as the investigation remains active. Rai said identifying all the victims continues to be a priority and pledged transparency in updates moving forward.
“This is a dark moment for Vancouver, but together, we will heal,” Sim said, urging the community to stand united against hatred and division.
