Vancouver Filipino Heritage Festival mourns as deadly car ramming strikes during street celebration of Filipino history. The tragic event that occurred on April 26, 2025, during the celebration of Lapu Lapu Day, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and the injuries of several more. Eight charges of second-degree murder have been brought against the defendant after his arrest.
What Happened During the Festival?
Filipino Canadians in south Vancouver gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day street party, a celebration of the indigenous Filipino leader, Lapu Lapu, known for resisting Spanish colonization. Around 8 p.m. local time, a black Audi SUV crashed into the crowd, turning what had started out as a happy event into a tragedy.
Vancouver Police apprehended the suspect on the spot after festival attendees and onlookers swiftly pursued him. The attack has rocked the town, and officials are still investigating what happened.
Adam Lo and the Suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo
A 30-year-old suspect, was immediately arrested after the event. Authorities have stated that there is no evidence that the incident was an act of terrorism because Lo has a history of mental health issues, despite the fact that they are actively investigating the reasons for the assault.
Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder, and investigators may bring more charges as the case continues.
Victims: A Variety of Backgrounds and Ages
A community celebration included the victims of this sad tragedy, who ranged in age from 5 to 65. Authorities have not yet revealed the victims’ identities and are still working to identify some of the murder victims. A 22-month-old toddler who is allegedly in critical condition is one among the injured.
Community Reaction
This senseless tragedy has rocked the Filipino community in Vancouver. Filipino Canadians have gathered at memorial sites near the scene of the attack, lighting candles and offering flowers in remembrance of the victims.
In his sympathy message, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that the victims “will not be forgotten.” The impacted families have also received help from the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver, which is collaborating closely with Canadian authorities.
Public Safety Concerns
The attack occurred just days before Canada’s federal election, raising questions about public safety in the country. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim assured citizens that Vancouver remains a safe city, but stated that the city’s public safety measures would undergo a review following the incident.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his condolences, saying he was “deeply heartbroken” by the attack but stressed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Source: CNN
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