11 killed in Vancouver street festival incident; police confirm no evidence of terrorism.
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Vancouver and beyond, a car ramming attack at a Filipino heritage festival resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals and left dozens more injured. Vancouver police have ruled out terrorism as a motive, identifying the suspect as a man with a documented history of mental health issues.
The attack occurred on Saturday evening at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, an event celebrating Filipino culture, which was attended by many community members. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as the driver of a black Audi SUV accelerated into a crowd shortly after 8 p.m. The vehicle reportedly struck individuals gathered along a street lined with food trucks, causing chaos and panic.
Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai characterized the attack as “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.” In a press conference, he elaborated that the suspect is a 30-year-old local man who had previously interacted with law enforcement and health care professionals regarding his mental health. Visual footage from the aftermath of the incident reveals a horrific scene, with victims lying on the ground and emergency responders rushing to provide aid.
The unsettling incident overshadowed the final day of campaigning for Canada’s federal elections, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel an event. He expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and the Filipino Canadian community, stating that the nation mourns the loss of those who perished in the attack.
Witnesses recounted their traumatic experiences, with one woman describing how she shielded her grandchildren from the incoming vehicle. Reports indicate children screaming, and individuals frantically seeking help as others lay injured on the ground. James Cruzat, a local business owner present at the festival, initially mistook the revving engine for a gunshot before witnessing the resulting mayhem, which included cries for assistance and scenes of lifeless victims.
The Filipino community in Vancouver, numbering over 38,600 according to Statistics Canada, was gathered to honor the legacy of Lapu Lapu, an Indigenous chieftain recognized for his resistance against Spanish colonizers. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended condolences and confirmed that the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver is collaborating with Canadian authorities for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In light of this tragedy, local officials, including Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim, have expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the affected families, vowing to provide more information as it becomes available. The incident starkly highlights unaddressed issues surrounding mental health and the need for proactive measures to ensure public safety in such community gatherings.
