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A man has been charged with multiple murder counts following a tragic incident in which he allegedly drove into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. Eyewitnesses have recounted the traumatic events that unfolded during the festival.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, aged 30, faced eight counts of second-degree murder during a video appearance before a judge shortly after his arrest at the scene, according to Damienne Darby, a representative for British Columbia prosecutors.
Authorities have stated that terrorism is not believed to be a motive and anticipate that additional charges may follow. Reports indicate that Lo has struggled with mental health issues; however, he has yet to submit a plea.
Online court documents do not list an attorney for Lo, and attempts by The Associated Press to reach legal representation were unsuccessful.
The victims ranged in age from 5 to 65. Approximately two dozen other attendees sustained injuries when a black Audi SUV surged through a road closed for the Lapu Lapu Day festival just after 8 p.m. on Saturday.
As of Monday afternoon, seven individuals remained in critical condition, with three others classified as serious. Authorities have withheld the names of the deceased but confirmed that nine of the victims were women and two were men.
“We will never be normal again,” stated Sgt. Steve Addison during a news conference on Monday.
Addison reported that except for one individual, all victims were residents of the Metro Vancouver area. The sergeant also mentioned that plans are in place to ensure safety at the upcoming Vancouver Marathon scheduled for Sunday.
“We have hosted major events like FIFA and the Olympics and know how to ensure safety. What happened this weekend was avoidable,” Addison added.
Nathaly Nairn and her 15-year-old daughter visited a memorial with flowers, having attended the festival. Nairn described witnessing the aftermath: “Something really dark happened last night,” she said tearfully.
Emily Daniels, also at the vigil, expressed disbelief at the event’s proximity. “It’s sad. Really sad,” she said.
Police interim chief Steve Rai termed the incident “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.” While no specific motive has been identified, Rai noted that Lo has had numerous interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.
Footage from the scene illustrated the chaos that ensued, with bodies and injured individuals sprawled along a narrow street filled with food vendors. Witness Kris Pangilinan recounted how the SUV entered the area slowly before accelerating into the crowd, likening the impact to “a bowling ball hitting bowling pins.”
On Monday, police called for witnesses to submit any video evidence to aid their investigation.
Suspect Apprehended by Bystanders
Rai confirmed that the suspect was detained by bystanders before police arrived on the scene. A video circulating on social media depicted a young man in a hoodie, seemingly disoriented, with bystanders expressing their anger toward him.
“I’m sorry,” he reportedly said while holding his head in his hands. Rai did not provide further comments on the video.
In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled scheduled campaign events, expressing condolences to the families affected by the incident. “Last night families lost loved ones. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” he remarked.
Carney, accompanied by British Columbia Premier David Eby and community leaders, gathered in Vancouver to support those grieving. He emphasized the need for collective mourning and solidarity in the face of such loss.
The incident recalls a similar occurrence in 2018 when a van was used to kill 10 pedestrians in Toronto.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos
Eyewitness Dale Selipe described the horrifying scene, with injured children strewn across the street after the SUV crashed into the crowd. “There was a lady with her eyes staring up, one of her legs was already broken,” she recounted.
Security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto reported witnessing numerous bodies, many lifeless on the pavement. “When I heard people screaming, I ran to see what happened,” she said.
Carayn Nulada recounted how she shielded her grandchildren from the vehicle at the last moment. Her daughter suffered minor injuries but escaped serious harm.
Nulada was at the hospital on Sunday searching for news about her brother, who had been critically injured in the attack.
James Cruzat, a business owner at the festival, described hearing the car’s engine rev and the subsequent “loud bang,” which he initially interpreted as gunfire. “We saw people on the road crying, others were running, shouting, or screaming for help,” he said.
Vincent Reynon, 17, was leaving when he witnessed police rushing in and people in distress. “It was like something straight out of a horror movie,” he recalled.
Adonis Quita quickly pulled his 9-year-old son to safety, noting his child’s fears during the incident. The father expressed concern about the mental impact the traumatic event might have on his son.
Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim declared that the city had experienced “its darkest day,” while urging residents to remember that Vancouver remains a safe city despite the tragedy.
Celebrating Filipino Heritage Marred by Tragedy
In 2021, Vancouver was home to over 38,600 residents of Filipino descent, making up 5.9% of the city’s population, according to Statistics Canada.
Lapu Lapu Day commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous leader known for his resistance against Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. The event, now in its second year, aimed to celebrate Filipino culture and identity amidst this heavy loss.
Premier Eby urged the community to focus on healing and helping those affected, stressing that such a tragedy should not overshadow the festival’s spirit.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences, affirming that the Philippine Consulate is collaborating with Canadian authorities for a thorough investigation and support for victims and their families. The consulate has established a hotline for families seeking information.
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