A 30-year-old Vancouver man has been charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder following a devastating incident at a community festival Saturday night.
Eleven people, ranging in age from five to 65, were killed and more than two dozen others injured after a man drove an SUV into a crowd gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day festival near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo was arrested at the scene after bystanders intervened and helped Vancouver Police take him into custody. He has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Police say further charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Deputy Chief Const. Steve Rai called the event “an incident the likes of which the city has never seen before,” noting that dozens more are injured, some critically, and some victims have yet to be identified.
The SUV approached the festival from the west on East 43rd Avenue before entering a small enclosed crowd area and driving through festival-goers. Rai said the victims were a mix of male and female and included young people.
He also added that based on the evidence so far, investigators do not believe the attack was an act of terrorism.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim addressed the tragedy on Sunday, confirming the suspect has a significant history of mental health issues and was previously known to police. Sim suggested that mental health challenges appear 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 in calling on governments to make these changes now.”
While emphasizing that Vancouver remains a safe city—with about 3,000 events and festivals held each year—Sim said he has directed a full review of safety measures for future events.
Some of the victims from Saturday’s mass-casualty incident have not yet been identified.
In response, Vancouver Police have set up a 24-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre, located at 801 West 22nd Avenue, for anyone unable to reach loved ones. Those who cannot attend in person can call 604-717-3321 to speak with a victim-liaison officer.
Witnesses who have not yet come forward are urged to contact VPD’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500. Anyone with photos or video footage of the incident is asked to upload it directly to an online portal at vpd.ca.
