The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed 11 people were killed after a man ran over a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival held by the city’s Filipino community. The incident took place shortly after 8:00 pm on Saturday.
A 30-year-old suspect, described by police as a “Vancouver man”, was arrested at the scene after being held by festival attendees. The Major Crime Section of the VPD is investigating. In a statement, the VDP said, “At this time, we are confident this incident was not an act of terrorism.”
Canadian leaders have expressed their shock following the tragedy:
King Charles III: “Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh: “I am horrified to learn of an incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations that injured and killed innocent people. As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre: “I am shocked by the horrific news emerging from Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Festival tonight. My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack. Thank you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.
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.
We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action.”
The federal party leaders will likely tone down their campaign events following this tragedy. Many Canadians are more focused on sending our thoughts and our prayers to the families of those killed and those who are now hospitalized.
Spencer Fernando