Vancouver Man Charged with 8 Counts of Murder in Lapu-Lapu Day Festival Crash

A Vancouver man has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder following a tragic incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The festival, which celebrates Filipino culture and resilience, turned into a scene of horror when an SUV rammed into a crowd, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more.

What Happened?

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. PT on East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, as the festival was winding down. The SUV plowed into the victims, who ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old, catching them off guard. Vancouver police arrested the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30 and charged him with eight counts of second-degree murder. The police are continuing their investigation, and further charges may follow.

Lo briefly appeared in court for a bail hearing on Sunday, April 27, where he did not request bail. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled for May 26, 2025. A publication ban restricts further reporting on the details of the hearing.

Community Reacts to Tragedy

Vancouver police have confirmed that there were no indications of a terrorist attack prior to the event. They noted that the Lapu-Lapu Festival had been planned with no specific threats identified in advance. Despite this, the community is reeling from the loss and trauma caused by this devastating act.

The police defended their preparations for the event, stating that they did not foresee any major threats and that the festival was a family-friendly cultural celebration.

During a news conference, Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai referred to the incident as the “darkest day in the city’s history.” The community is now grieving, with tributes and prayers pouring in from around the world.

At a prayer vigil held at St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church, local clergy and community members gathered to honor the victims and offer their support. Father Expedito Farinas called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words” and reassured attendees that the community would support each other through this unbearable pain.

Official Response and Ongoing Support

The Filipino B.C. group, which organized the event, has expressed gratitude for the global support they have received and emphasized the community’s resilience in the face of this tragedy. RJ Aquino, the group’s chair, spoke of the strength of the Filipino community and promised to share information on how the public could provide financial support to those affected.

B.C. Premier David Eby also visited the site, expressing his shock and calling the incident “sickening”. He promised to work with the City of Vancouver and police to improve safety and security at future community events. A 24-hour assistance center has been set up at Douglas Park Community Centre for those impacted by the tragedy.

Moving Forward

The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the motivations behind the crash. While initial reports suggest the incident was not politically or religiously motivated, police are continuing to examine the suspect’s history and interactions with mental health professionals.

In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim shared his condolences and promised the city’s ongoing support to the grieving families. He also urged the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families as they navigate through this difficult time.

More…

• https://www.overheretoronto.com/vancouver-festival-tragedy-several-killed-as-suv-plows-into-crowd
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-suv-lapu-lapu-attack-april-27-1.7519967
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vehicle-hits-crowd-filipino-festival-lapu-lapu-day-block-party-1.7519778