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By: Manoah kikekon
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| Lapu Lapu Day Festival |
Vancouver, Canada – Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the driver accused of plowing an SUV into a crowd at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, police confirmed Monday.
The horrific attack left 11 dead including children as young as five and dozens injured in one of the city’s worst mass-casualty events.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) announced that Lo, 30, appeared in court Sunday and remains detained. Investigators warn additional charges are likely as the case unfolds.
“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” said Acting Police Chief Steve Rai, ruling out terrorism but acknowledging the death toll could rise.
The annual celebration, honoring Filipino anti-colonial hero Lapu Lapu, descended into chaos when Lo’s vehicle struck pedestrians near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue. Some victims remain unidentified, while survivors grapple with life-altering injuries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident “devastating”, extending condolences to victims and Vancouver’s Filipino-Canadian community.
Mayor Ken Sim expressed shock, pledging support for grieving families.
As the investigation continues, Vancouver mourns a community shattered by an act of violence at what should have been a day of pride and unity.