The day after the Vancouver Lapu-Lapu Day Festival incident, police continue to secure the scene at East 41st Avenue.
Photo credit – Photo by A. Malabanan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
(Filed April 28, 2025 – Vancouver, Canada)
Two days after the tragedy that shattered Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, new developments have emerged about the suspect, the victims, and the Filipino-Canadian community’s unshaken resolve to heal and honor those lost.
Across Vancouver, prayer vigils, memorial gatherings, and community support efforts continue — each act a reminder that even in profound sorrow, unity endures.
Suspect in Custody, More Charges Expected
Authorities confirmed that 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deadly vehicle-ramming attack that left 11 people dead and more than two dozen others injured.
Officials indicated that additional charges are likely, as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Police emphasized that terrorism has been ruled out. Investigators revealed that Lo’s family had contacted a psychiatric facility hours before the attack, seeking emergency intervention amid concerns about his deteriorating mental health. Lo had prior encounters with law enforcement related to mental health, but no known extremist ties.
On the day following the attack, the British Columbia Ministry of Health confirmed that a total of 32 people had been hospitalized due to the incident, including the 11 who died. As of Sunday, 17 victims remained under hospital care, with several still in critical condition.
Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses as they work to piece together the final moments leading to the tragedy.
Honoring the Victims
The victims, whose ages ranged from 5 to 65 years old, represented the diverse tapestry of those who came to celebrate Filipino culture and community at the festival.
Among them was Clara “Kira” Ganapol Salim, a Brazilian artist and musician recognized for her contributions to Vancouver’s cultural scene. Filipino-Canadian families — spanning multiple generations — were among the most deeply affected.
“This loss is immeasurable,” said Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai. “We grieve alongside every family affected. We will stand with them every step of the way.”
Filipino-Canadian Community Mobilizes
Amid heartbreak, the Filipino-Canadian community has come together in an outpouring of support.
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has been actively coordinating emergency assistance and has issued advisories warning the public about fraudulent fundraising activities.
Verified donation drives have been launched through the Vancouver Foundation and the United Filipino-Canadian Council, ensuring that aid reaches the victims and their families.
On Sunday evening, a prayer vigil was held at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, where attendees lit candles and offered prayers in English and Tagalog to honor the victims.
A Community’s Strength Amid Sorrow
Organizers of the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as a “senseless tragedy.”
They urged those affected to access mental health and victim support services made available by local agencies and the provincial government.
As Vancouver mourns, the Filipino community stands united: grieving, remembering, and finding strength in one another.
Even in sorrow, the Filipino community remains strong—remembering those they lost and staying true to the faith that holds them together.
