A 30-year-old Vancouver man, yet to be identified, has been arrested after allegedly driving his SUV into a crowd attending a Filipino festival in Vancouver, Canada. Lapu Lapu Day turned into tragedy as the incident took the lives of at least nine people, leaving many others injured as a result.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the incident occurred at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser at around 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. A man drove his SUV into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a Filipino festival which celebrates their heritage. Initially, it was reported that an unspecified number of deaths and injuries had taken place. In an update posted hours later, nine people were confirmed dead, with many more injured.
The man was identified as a 30-year-old Vancouver man. His name has not been released at this time, but the suspect remains in police custody. As per Police Chief Steve Rai, the suspect was known to police and said that, in regards to a motive, "everything is on the table," according to the New York Post. However, Vancouver police do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism.
As reported by the Post, video footage of the scene reveals a trail of destruction caused by the suspect's black vehicle. Witnesses were left horrified as they saw many people hurt or killed, all on the ground alongside metal debris. Meanwhile, first responders and civilians attempt to save the injured and unknowingly retrieve the bodies of the ones who perished in such a violent act.
Authorities React
The event has shocked the residents of Vancouver, as well as their authorities. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim addressed the incident on X.
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today's Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can," Sim wrote. "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."
Incumbent Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney stated that he was devastated after hearing the news of the incident.
"I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver," Carney wrote on X. "We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action."
Pierre Poilievre, the conservative candidate for Prime Minister, also took to X to address the incident.
"I am shocked by the horrific news emerging from Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival tonight," Poilievre wrote. "My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack. Thank you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more."
