Vancouver’s Filipino community is reeling after a car-ramming attack at the annual Lapu Lapu festival left 11 people dead and dozens injured on Saturday evening. The suspect, a 30-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, remains in custody as authorities confirm the attack was not terrorism-related.
The incident occurred around 8:14 PM local time on East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, where festival-goers had gathered to celebrate Filipino culture. Eyewitness Donna, a longtime neighborhood resident, described the scene as “packed with young people and families” there to enjoy the festivities. “People were here to celebrate and have fun. This is tragic,” she told the BBC.
Acting Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai called it the city’s “darkest day,” warning the death toll may rise. Victims included men, women, and youth. The suspect was apprehended by bystanders before police arrival. While no motive was disclosed, Rai emphasized the attacker’s documented mental health struggles and frequent prior police interactions.
Community leader RJ Aquino of Filipino BC described widespread panic as families desperately contacted loved ones after the attack. “I don’t think my phone has buzzed that much in my entire life,” he said, noting the profound grief gripping Vancouver’s 140,000-strong Filipino community. The festival commemorates Lapu-Lapu, the 16th-century warrior who resisted Spanish colonization.
Political leaders across Canada responded with condolences. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign events, while opposition leader Pierre Poilievre visited a Filipino church congregation. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who attended the festival, recalled seeing “children dancing” and “pride in culture” before the violence erupted.
Authorities confirmed standard security measures were in place, with partial road closures near the school hosting main events. The attack occurred near food truck areas without barriers. Chief Rai acknowledged this would become a “watershed moment” for public safety planning.
