Photo from Inquirer.net
VANCOUVER, Canada— A vibrant celebration of Filipino culture turned into a day of grief and tragedy after a devastating vehicle attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver claimed 11 lives and injured more than 30 others on April 26, 2025.
The event, which was organized to honor Filipino heritage and community spirit, instead became one of the darkest days in Vancouver’s history.
A Festival Shattered
At approximately 8:14 p.m., thousands had gathered along East 43rd Avenue, closed for the festival’s street festivities. Without warning, a black Audi Q7 SUV, driven by Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, accelerated into the crowd. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as people were struck and thrown into the air.
Among the deceased are five-year-old Katie Le and her parents, Richard Le and Linh Hoang, leaving behind 16-year-old Brandon Le, now orphaned. Beloved teacher and community volunteer Kira Salim was also among the victims.
Survivors such as Val De La Cruz and his 22-month-old son Jeb remain in critical condition at local hospitals. A fundraising campaign for their family has garnered more than $122,000 in support.
Investigation and Suspect
Vancouver Police quickly apprehended Lo, who has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges anticipated. Authorities ruled out terrorism, confirming instead that the suspect had a long-standing history of mental health struggles.
Family members had reportedly sought emergency psychiatric intervention for Lo earlier in the day, amid growing concerns about his deteriorating mental state.
Vancouver Interim Police Chief Steve Rai described the incident bluntly:
“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” Rai said.
Prime Minister, Provincial, and Local Leaders React
The tragedy drew swift responses from Canada’s leaders.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow:
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely and thankful to our first responders for their swift action,” Carney said.
British Columbia Premier David Eby invited the public to show solidarity by signing condolence books available at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, stating:
“We mourn the lives lost and stand with the Filipino community during this dark time.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, addressing concerns about safety, stated:
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Despite fears sparked by the attack, Sim reassured residents that Vancouver remains a resilient and safe city.
Philippine Government Support
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conveyed its condolences and pledged assistance to Filipino nationals affected by the tragedy.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was “completely shattered” by the events and directed Philippine diplomatic missions to offer all necessary support.
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, led by Consul General Arlene T. Magno, has been providing assistance to victims and their families, including legal aid, counseling services, and logistical support.
The Consulate also issued a warning against unauthorized fundraising campaigns using official images and urged the public to verify legitimate donation drives at www.vancouverpcg.org.
Apl.de.ap: “Our Hearts Are Broken”
Filipino-American artist and Black Eyed Peas co-founder Apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) had just finished performing at the festival minutes before the attack. In a heartfelt statement, he shared:
“Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival. J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened. It’s hard to describe the shock and heaviness we feel.”
He added:
“Please keep the victims, their families and the organizers in your prayers. They need all the love and strength right now.”
Community Grieves, Vows to Heal
The Filipino community in Vancouver—and across the globe—has responded with an outpouring of solidarity. Vigils, prayer gatherings, and fundraising drives have been organized in Toronto, Winnipeg, London, Sydney, and Manila, reflecting the global reach of Filipino unity.
Local group Filipino BC, one of the organizers behind the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, emphasized the resilience of the community. RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, said:
“The Filipino community knows how to be resilient. How that manifests this time around—from a tragedy we’ve never experienced, on a scale like this—we’re going to see how it plays out, and I’m going to make sure we come out of this stronger.”
While no official statement has been made regarding the festival’s future, the community’s commitment to healing and honoring the spirit of the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration remains unwavering.
