Filipino Canadians are mourning an attack on their community, after a car plowed into a crowd at a street festival celebrating Filipino heritage in Vancouver on Saturday night killing at least 11 people, and injuring dozens more Filipinos during a street party on Lapu Lapu Day, an event commemorating an Indigenous leader who fought against Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
A 30-year-old male suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, according to Reuters.
The suspect, who was detained on the scene, has a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities, police said.
- Eleven people were killed and dozens more injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd at a festival celebrating Filipino culture
- Vigils were being held in the city to honor the victims, who police say are aged between five and 65
- The city’s mayor says a full review has been opened into the event’s safety
Canadian Prime minister Mark Carney met with members of the Filipino community on Sunday, as people gathered to light candles and lay flowers for the victims at a memorial near the scene of the attack.
