Festival Turns Deadly
A driver ploughed a black Audi SUV into a crowd during Vancouver’s Filipino street festival on Saturday night.
Authorities confirmed at least 11 people died and more than 20 others suffered injuries.
The ages of those killed ranged from five to 65 years old.
Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai called it “the darkest day” in the city’s history.
Community Event Shattered
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival intended to celebrate Filipino heritage and culture.
Food trucks lined the streets as performers showcased traditional Filipino dances in the spring sunshine.
Eyewitnesses described the scene after the attack as resembling a war zone with bodies scattered on the street.
Video footage verified by CNN showed debris-laden streets and emergency responders treating multiple victims.
Paramedics and ambulances swarmed the scene as sirens blared in the background.
A black SUV with a smashed front sat in the middle of the road with its driver’s door open.
#BREAKING: The Liberals are soft on Crime. The car ramming attack in #Vancouver has resulted in multiple deaths. This is yet another sign of the Canadian government’s incompetence and complete disregard for it’s citizens. @Canada https://t.co/BVDWQi6Z7G
— RC (@RealChange__) April 27, 2025
Suspect in Custody
Police arrested the 30-year-old Vancouver man suspected of the attack at the scene.
Authorities stated the suspect operated alone and remained the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The man has a history of mental health-related interactions with law enforcement.
Authorities confirmed the suspect has not yet been charged.
Figure 2: Man suspected of the attack
Response from Officials
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed heartbreak, stating, “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter.”
Carney also stressed that authorities believe there is no active threat to Canadians.
British Columbia Premier David Eby voiced sorrow, stating, “I have just such a sick feeling.”
Mayor Ken Sim said mental health appeared to be the underlying issue.
He added that Vancouver remains a safe city and most events occur without incident.
Investigation Underway
Vancouver Police’s Major Crime Section is leading the investigation.
Police requested the public to provide any information about the incident.
Authorities conducted a prior risk assessment for the festival and found no threats to the event or the Filipino community.
Interim Chief Rai said police did not deploy officers or heavy vehicle barricades at the site.
He stated, “While I’m confident the joint risk assessment and public safety plan was sound, we will be working with our partners at the City of Vancouver to review all of the circumstances surrounding the planning of this event.”
Witnesses Share Harrowing Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and devastation as people tried to flee.
One witness said, “It was like a war zone… There were bodies all over the ground.”
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, attended the event but left moments before the attack.
He told CTV News, “I was just there, and I just imagine the faces of the kids that I saw smiling and dancing.”
Community in Mourning
The organisers, Filipino BC, released a statement on Instagram expressing deep heartbreak.
They wrote, “We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims.”
Esperanza Bermudez, a local resident, was comforted by a friend near the scene the following morning.
International Condolences
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences, calling it an “unspeakable tragedy.”
Marcos instructed Filipino diplomats in Vancouver to assist victims and coordinate with Canadian authorities.
Comparisons to Past Tragedies
The attack echoed memories of a 2018 incident in Toronto where a man drove into pedestrians, killing 10.
Saturday’s event brought renewed focus on public safety and mental health issues in Vancouver.
City Reviews Safety Measures
Mayor Sim ordered a full review of safety measures at public events following the incident.
He reaffirmed, “Our first priority is and will always be protecting the residents of Vancouver.”
Flags at Half-Staff
Authorities announced that Canadian flags at city buildings would fly at half-staff in memory of the victims.
The entire Vancouver community and broader Canadian society continue to mourn the tragic loss of life.
