Vancouver, British Columbia — A celebration of Filipino heritage turned tragic over the weekend as a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, resulting in devastating loss. Among the 11 victims were members of the Le family, including 16-year-old Richard Le’s father, stepmother, and his younger sister, Katie, who was just weeks away from graduating kindergarten. Richard, who chose to stay home that night to finish homework, now grapples with the profound shock and sorrow of losing his loved ones.
The incident, which took place on a closed street filled with food trucks, left 32 others injured. As of Monday, seven individuals remained in critical condition, while three others were deemed serious, according to Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Steve Addison. The deceased, comprising nine females and two males ranging in age from 5 to 65, were all residents of the Vancouver metropolitan area.
Police have charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with multiple counts of second-degree murder. Lo made a brief appearance before a judge on Sunday, where he did not enter a plea. Investigators noted his history of interactions with law enforcement and health care professionals related to mental health issues, although they have ruled out terrorism as a motive for his actions.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the vehicle accelerated rapidly into the crowd just minutes after a performance by Filipino-American artist Apl.de.ap. Local vendor Kris Pangilinan recounted the harrowing moment, saying he could hear the screams of festival attendees and the horrifying sounds of bodies striking the vehicle. “He slammed on the gas, barreled through the crowd,” Pangilinan said, a memory that will haunt him.
Visiting the memorials set up across the city, community members expressed their grief and anger. Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim articulated the sentiment shared by many, stating that the Filipino community and city residents were grieving and feeling unsafe following the incident. Vigils have been held throughout Vancouver, with mourners paying their respects to the victims, including Richards’s family members, whose lives were cut short in this tragic event.
Investigations were ongoing Monday, with police continuing to gather evidence and reviewing video footage from bystanders. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai stated that this was meant to be a joyous community event, emphasizing the deep betrayal felt by those who attended. “The actions of one person stole that away from them,” Rai said.
In the aftermath of the attack, support poured in for the victims’ families through GoFundMe campaigns, reflecting the community’s commitment to helping those affected. Local residents are coming together not just to remember those lost but also to advocate for changes in safety measures at community events.
While the judicial process begins for Lo, the future remains uncertain for many families grappling with the loss of loved ones in a matter of seconds. As the community mourns, questions linger about how to ensure safety at public gatherings, with a renewed focus on mental health and preventive measures. The collective mourning serves as a somber reminder of the fleeting nature of life, especially amidst celebrations meant to bring joy and connection.