On Saturday evening, an annual celebration honoring Filipino heritage turned into a nightmare when a vehicle struck attendees, fatally injuring 11 people and injuring many others. The event, known as the Lapu Lapu festival, drew a large crowd, fully embracing the spirit of unity and joy that represents Filipino culture. The community is left grappling with profound grief and concern for their loved ones.
Witness accounts describe the chaos as the vehicle barreled through East 43rd Avenue, plunging a vibrant celebration into despair. Local resident Donna, who was present at the festival, expressed her shock and heartbreak as families and friends came together to enjoy the festivities. “This is tragic,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of many who sought connection and celebration.
RJ Aquino, leader of the Filipino BC organization, spoke about the ripple effects of the incident, noting the confusion and anxiety that overtook the community as they reached out to ensure their loved ones were safe. He articulated their shared grief, stating that the community would need time to process the emotions stemming from this unexpected violence.
In a press conference, acting police chief Steve Rai designated the day as one of the darkest in Vancouver's history. With a growing number of victims, some critically injured, the police noted that the individual responsible for the attack is a 30-year-old man, previously known to mental health services, who has now been arrested. While investigators look into the incident, there is no evidence pointing towards a terrorist motive.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, moved by the tragedy, halted campaign activities in the run-up to the federal elections, while other political leaders expressed their condolences and support for the affected families.
The Lapu Lapu festival, an event that symbolizes pride and remembrance of the Filipino struggle against colonization, attracted over 140,000 participants this year. Although police had conducted risk assessments before the gathering, no increased threat was indicated. As city officials process this heartbreaking event, it marks a turning point for community safety and emergency response measures in Vancouver.
Witness accounts describe the chaos as the vehicle barreled through East 43rd Avenue, plunging a vibrant celebration into despair. Local resident Donna, who was present at the festival, expressed her shock and heartbreak as families and friends came together to enjoy the festivities. “This is tragic,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of many who sought connection and celebration.
RJ Aquino, leader of the Filipino BC organization, spoke about the ripple effects of the incident, noting the confusion and anxiety that overtook the community as they reached out to ensure their loved ones were safe. He articulated their shared grief, stating that the community would need time to process the emotions stemming from this unexpected violence.
In a press conference, acting police chief Steve Rai designated the day as one of the darkest in Vancouver's history. With a growing number of victims, some critically injured, the police noted that the individual responsible for the attack is a 30-year-old man, previously known to mental health services, who has now been arrested. While investigators look into the incident, there is no evidence pointing towards a terrorist motive.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, moved by the tragedy, halted campaign activities in the run-up to the federal elections, while other political leaders expressed their condolences and support for the affected families.
The Lapu Lapu festival, an event that symbolizes pride and remembrance of the Filipino struggle against colonization, attracted over 140,000 participants this year. Although police had conducted risk assessments before the gathering, no increased threat was indicated. As city officials process this heartbreaking event, it marks a turning point for community safety and emergency response measures in Vancouver.
