A tragic incident unfolded in Vancouver over the weekend when a vehicle drove into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including a five-year-old child. The driver, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder. The British Columbia Prosecution Service indicated that more charges could be forthcoming.
Lo, who lives in Vancouver, appeared in court on Sunday and is currently in custody. Investigators have ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack and noted that Lo has a history of mental health issues. The incident occurred at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a festival celebrating Filipino culture, near 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street around 8:14 PM on Saturday.
Witnesses reported that the SUV struck a large group of people attending the festival, which had drawn thousands. Footage shared on social media showed the aftermath, with victims and debris scattered across the area. The police confirmed that many attendees were injured, some seriously, and expressed concern that the death toll could rise. The victims ranged in age from five to 65 years old.
Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Steve Rai described the event as "the darkest day in our city’s history." In the wake of the tragedy, Mayor Ken Sim attended a vigil in Kensington Park, expressing the community’s heartbreak and confusion over how such a horrific event could happen in their city.
The attack has cast a shadow over the upcoming Canadian elections, as voters prepare to head to the polls to choose a new prime minister. Prime Minister Mark Carney referred to the incident as a "car ramming attack," emphasizing the profound loss felt by the families affected.
This devastating event has left the community in shock, grappling with the aftermath and mourning those lost.