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At least nine individuals lost their lives when a man drove into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Canada, leaving many others injured, according to police reports released on Sunday.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:14 p.m. on Saturday during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, as outlined by the Vancouver Police Department via social media.
Although several others sustained injuries, the exact number of those affected has not yet been confirmed.
“We are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” police state
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver was taken into custody at the scene, with the investigation being led by the Major Crime Section of the police department.
Authorities expressed their belief that the incident was not linked to terrorism in an early Sunday statement.
Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that the suspect was arrested after being subdued by bystanders.
Footage circulating on social media portrayed a young man in a black hoodie, visibly distressed, surrounded by a security guard and agitated bystanders.
In the video, he can be heard saying, “I’m sorry,” as he holds his hand to his head.
Rai refrained from commenting on the video but did note that the individual in custody was a “lone male” with a prior history of engagement with law enforcement.
The festival took place in a neighborhood of South Vancouver, and videos shared online depicted a chaotic scene, with victims and debris scattered across the street. At least seven people were seen lying on the ground, and a black SUV with significant front-end damage was captured in photographs from the site.
A local business owner, James Cruzat, attended the festival and noted hearing unusual sounds from a vehicle followed by a “loud noise,” which he initially mistook for a gunshot.
“We saw people on the road crying, others were running and shouting, or screaming for help. We rushed over to see what was happening and found some bodies. Some were lifeless, while others were injured,” Cruzat reflected. “Witnessing that kind of incident is terrible. It was heartbreaking. It’s surreal to think it could happen in real life—something we usually see on television or in movies. In such a moment, all you could do was pray for them.”
Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim expressed his shock and sadness over the incident in a social media update, assuring that the city would provide further information as it becomes available.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event,” Sim stated. “Our thoughts are with those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly challenging time.”
Lapu Lapu Day Festival
In 2021, Statistics Canada reported over 38,600 Filipino heritage residents in Vancouver, making up 5.9% of the city’s population.
Lapu Lapu Day commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a chieftain who fought against Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. The event’s organizers describe him as a symbol of indigenous resistance and a pivotal figure in shaping Filipino identity amidst colonization.
Political leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressed their condolences and solidarity with the community affected by the violence at the festival.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and injured, and to the Filipino Canadian community, as well as everyone in Vancouver. We share in your mourning,” Carney remarked.
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party who attended the festival earlier, tweeted, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as Vancouver’s Filipino community who came together to celebrate resilience today.”
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre also conveyed his concern, saying, “My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all victims of this senseless attack. I appreciate the first responders currently on the scene as we await further updates.”
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby expressed his shock and heartbreak over the event, stating, “We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any necessary support.”
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