A condolence book has been placed inside the Parliament Buildings in Victoria for members of the public to share messages of sympathy for the victims of the tragic Lapu-Lapu Festival attack in Vancouver.
Located in the Hall of Honour, the book is available for signing daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., now through Friday, May 2nd.
All community members are welcome to stop by and leave their well wishes for those impacted by the devastating event.
An online condolence book is also available here. It offers a convenient option for those who wish to pay their respects from afar. The online book will remain open until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 5th.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday, April 26th, when a man drove an SUV into a crowd gathered for the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue. Eleven people, ranging in age from five to 65, were killed and more than two dozen others were injured.
Among the victims were a five-year-old girl and both her parents, leaving behind their 16-year-old son who had not attended the event.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene after bystanders intervened and assisted police. He has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
“This is an incident the likes of which the city has never seen before,” said Deputy Chief Const. Steve Rai. He confirmed that dozens more were injured—some critically—and that some victims remain unidentified.
Rai said the SUV entered the festival from the west along East 43rd Avenue and drove through a small, enclosed area packed with attendees. The victims included both males and females, some of them young.
Police say there is no indication that the attack was an act of terrorism.
On Sunday, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim confirmed the suspect has a significant history of mental health issues and was previously known to police. He said mental health appears to be the underlying issue in the attack.
“I want to be clear—if anything is to come of this tragedy, it has to be change,” Sim said. “I personally will not stop calling on governments to make these changes now.”
Sim added that while Vancouver remains a safe city—with more than 3,000 events and festivals held each year—a full review of safety protocols has been ordered.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Vancouver Police have established a 24-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre (801 West 22nd Avenue) for those unable to contact loved ones. Anyone who cannot attend in person can call 604-717-3321 to connect with a victim-liaison officer.
Police are also urging witnesses who haven’t yet come forward to contact VPD’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500. Those with photos or videos of the incident are asked to upload them via an online portal at vpd.ca.
