VANCOUVER: At least 11 people were killed and dozens more injured when a man with a history of mental health issues drove an SUV through a crowd at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, police reported on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party, a celebration honoring the Filipino national hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu. Police apprehended a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene, who was described as having a “significant history” of interactions with authorities regarding mental health. Authorities confirmed that there was no evidence of terrorism connected to the attack.
"This is the darkest day in our city’s history," said Vancouver Interim Chief Constable Steve Rai during a press conference on Sunday. Rai confirmed that dozens of people had been injured, some critically, and warned that the death toll could rise in the coming days as the injured were treated.
Over 100 police officers were involved in the investigation, with local, provincial, and federal officials providing support services. The tragic event has drawn messages of condolence and support from around the world.
RJ Aquino, chair of the community advocacy group Filipino BC, expressed the grief of the Filipino community, saying, "We want to tell everybody that we’re grieving. We want to tell everybody that we see and hear the support from around the world at this point."
The attack occurred just days before Canada’s federal elections, leading to a delay in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign activities. Carney made a statement to reporters expressing condolences to the Filipino-Canadian community, saying, “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. I join all Canadians in mourning with you.”
At the time of the incident, police had no clear motive for the attack, which took place in Vancouver’s Sunset neighborhood, an area known for its large Asian population. The festival was celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day, with festivities featuring Filipino food, cultural displays, and live performances. The event had no dedicated police presence or vehicle barriers.
“There were no known threats to the event or to the Filipino community,” said Rai.
Witnesses reported seeing a black vehicle driving erratically before it sped into the crowd. Images shared online showed a dark Audi SUV, with its front fenders crumpled and hood pushed upward, blocking a section of the festival.
A witness, who did not wish to be named, described seeing around 15 people lying on the ground after the SUV barreled through the crowd. The driver attempted to flee but was detained by festival-goers until police arrived on the scene.
Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of a food truck at the festival, said, "I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere. He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle."
The attack, which occurred after a concert by Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, shocked attendees. Mable Elmore, a member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly, attended the event and recalled, "Everybody was happy and getting ready to go. And that’s when the incident happened."
The Filipino-Canadian community in Vancouver, one of the largest immigrant groups in the province, has been left reeling by the tragedy. The Lapu-Lapu Day festival, which celebrates Filipino culture, was officially recognized by the government of British Columbia in 2023.
The government has vowed to provide support to the victims and their families as investigations continue into the motive behind the deadly attack.
