Prosecutors charge Vancouver man with murder for ramming attack
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A tragic SUV attack at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Day festival has left 11 dead and dozens injured.
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A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, on April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Canadian prosecutors have charged 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo with murder following a tragic Vancouver festival attack that left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured. The incident occurred when Lo rammed an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, targeting attendees aged between 5 and 65, according to local police.
Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected, the Vancouver Police stated on Sunday. He appeared in court just hours after his arrest at the scene of the attack on Saturday evening. Court documents reviewed by Reuters showed no recorded plea from Lo.
“🚨UPDATE: On April 26, 2025, a car ramming attack occurred at a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, Canada, around 8:00 PM. A driver in a black SUV plowed into a crowd, killing multiple people and injuring others. The exact number of casualties has not been officially… pic.twitter.com/fOxcqPITjL
— JojoTank (@MagaTanks) April 27, 2025
Authorities noted that Lo had a "significant history" of interactions with mental health services. "This is the darkest day in our city's history," Vancouver Interim Chief Constable Steve Rai told reporters during a Sunday press conference.
Police warned that the death toll could rise, with more than two dozen people critically injured in the incident. Working alongside provincial and federal authorities, local officials launched a large-scale investigation involving over 100 officers. Support services were mobilized to assist the affected community.
No evidence of terrorism, authorities say
The attack, which took place without a dedicated police presence or heavy vehicle barriers, occurred shortly after 8 pm in Vancouver's Sunset neighborhood. This area, known for its large Asian population, was hosting the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party, celebrating a revered Philippine national hero.
"There were no known threats to the event or to the Filipino community," Rai confirmed. Witnesses reported that the suspect attempted to flee but was held by festival-goers until police arrived.
One witness described seeing a black Audi SUV driving erratically before it plowed through the festival crowd. Online images showed victims lying on the pavement next to food trucks, with debris scattered across the street.
The attack occurred after the festival, following a concert by Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. "Everybody was happy and getting ready to go. And that's when the incident happened," said Mable Elmore, a British Columbia Legislative Assembly member.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delayed his campaign to travel to Vancouver, expressing condolences to the Filipino community. "Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter. Those families are living every family's nightmare," Carney stated.
