A tragic incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival has left 11 people dead and multiple others injured after a car drove into a festive crowd on Saturday night, according to police reports.
Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that the 30-year-old suspect — who was apprehended at the scene by bystanders — has a significant history of encounters with law enforcement and mental healthcare services. Authorities stated there is no indication that the incident was an act of terrorism.
The crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time in Vancouver’s Sunset on Fraser neighborhood, during celebrations of the Lapu Lapu Festival — a cultural event honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Footage circulating on social media showed a man in a black hoodie cornered against a chain-link fence by bystanders and a security guard, visibly distressed and apologizing.
Chief Rai, while declining to comment on the footage directly, emphasized that the suspect acted alone and was “known to police in certain circumstances.”
Community and Leadership Reactions
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his condolences, saying,
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with all those affected and Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also reacted, stating,
“I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
Carney assured that federal authorities are closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue.
The Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said he was “shattered” upon hearing the news. He confirmed that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is coordinating with Canadian authorities to assist victims and their families.
About Vancouver’s Filipino Community
According to Statistics Canada, Vancouver had over 38,600 residents of Filipino heritage as of the 2021 census, accounting for nearly 6% of the city’s population. The Lapu Lapu Festival is a significant event for the community, celebrating resilience and cultural pride.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the crash’s motive and circumstances while ruling out any links to terrorism.
The tragedy unfolds just as Canada prepares for its federal election scheduled for Monday.
