VANCOUVER, British Columbia A devastating tragedy unfolded during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver when a 30-year-old man was charged with multiple counts of murder following an assault that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals. The suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, faces eight counts of second-degree murder after he allegedly drove his black Audi SUV into a crowd gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, a festival honoring Filipino culture and heritage. This shocking incident has prompted an outpouring of grief as hundreds attended vigils across the city to honor the victims.

The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. on Saturday when Los vehicle sped down a closed street, tragically impacting festival-goers ranging in age from 5 to 65. In the wake of the incident, about two dozen attendees sustained injuries, with several reported to be in critical condition. As of Sunday evening, local authorities had not released the identities of the deceased or the injured.

Damienne Darby, a spokeswoman for British Columbia prosecutors, confirmed that Lo appeared before a judge via video on Sunday, only hours after his arrest at the scene. He has yet to enter a plea. While investigators have ruled out terrorism as a motive for this horrific act, they indicated that further charges may be forthcoming. They also noted that the suspect has a significant history of mental health issues, which raises questions about his mental state at the time of the attack.

Attorneys for Lo had not been identified in online court documents, and the Associated Press was unable to reach any representatives for him immediately. The chilling aftermath of the incident was captured in videos circulating on social media, showing bystanders attempting to apprehend Lo before police arrived. Witnesses described the horrific scene, with people fleeing in panic and the sound of screams echoing through the air.

Nathaly Nairn, who attended the festival with her 15-year-old daughter, expressed her disbelief and sorrow as she visited one of the vigils. Something really dark happened last night, she lamented, tears in her eyes as she laid flowers in memory of the victims. Emily Daniels, another attendee, shared her shock, stating, Its sad. Really sad. I cant believe something like this could happen so close to home.

Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai referred to the incident as the darkest day in Vancouvers history. Although no specific motive has been established, Rai emphasized Los extensive interactions with police and mental health professionals, suggesting a complex background that contributed to this tragedy. Witnesses at the scene, like Kris Pangilinan, recounted the terrifying moments as the SUV barreled through the crowd, likening it to a bowling ball hitting bowling pins.

In the immediate aftermath, Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled his planned campaign events on the eve of a federal election, instead choosing to visit the site of the tragedy and meet with grieving families. During a heartfelt address, Carney expressed his condolences to those impacted, stating, Last night families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, father, son or daughter. Those families are living every family's nightmare. He joined British Columbia Premier David Eby and community leaders in a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with the Filipino Canadian community, which has a significant presence in the city.

The Lapu Lapu Day festival, now in its second year, celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a historical figure revered in the Philippines for resisting Spanish colonizers. Eby acknowledged the resilience of the Filipino community, urging people to transform their grief into action by supporting those affected by the tragedy. You cant go to a place that delivers and not meet a member of that community, Eby remarked, highlighting the integral role of the Filipino population in the local fabric of society.

In response to the events, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his condolences in a statement, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensure a thorough investigation and support for victims families. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has been actively collaborating with Canadian authorities to gather further details and provide assistance, including establishing a hotline for affected families.

This heart-wrenching incident has not only shaken the local community but also echoed memories of similar tragedies, such as the 2018 van attack in Toronto that claimed the lives of 10 pedestrians. As families mourn their losses, the broader community grapples with the impact of this senseless violence and reflects on the importance of safety and unity in the face of adversity.