The Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, Canada, turned from a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage into a scene of tragedy on Saturday night. Named after the historic Indigenous people’s resistance fighter Datu Lapu-Lapu, the festival attracted over 100,000 participants. As expected, a majority of these visitors were families with small children. The event featured a street parade, artisan displays, cultural activities, a basketball tournament, and an array of local food vendors, making it a significant occasion for the Filipino community in Vancouver.
The festival commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu’s glorious defeat of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. As a symbol of resilience, it serves to present the cultural pride of the Filipino diaspora. In fact, Vancouver has more than 38,600 Filipino heritage residents of the island nation, making up about 5.9% of the city’s population.
The festive spirit was broken just after 8 p.m. when a car-ramming attack sent the crowd into panic. The assailant, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, used a black Audi SUV to plow into a group of pedestrians attending the festival. This reprehensible attack resulted in 11 deaths and dozens more injured. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene as “looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins and all the pins are flying into the air,” highlighting the chaos that ensued during the attack.
In response, Hayes had authorities charge Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder. Terrorism has been ruled out as a motive for the attack, investigators said. They announced that Lo had a significant history of mental health struggles. The police have established a 24-hour assistance center to support those who were unable to contact relatives or friends who attended the festival.
After the tragedy, community leaders and officials from all over the state came together to share their condolences and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims.
“Those families are living every family’s nightmare.” – Carney
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the devastating impact of the event, stating, “It is impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever.” From there, he urged the audience to come together and support one another during these trying times.
“This spirit upon which we must draw in this incredibly difficult time. We will comfort the grieving. We will care for each other. We will unite in common purpose.” – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Federal and independent investigations into the attack are ongoing. In the wake of this disaster, community members are coming together to mourn and celebrate the lives that were cut short. The outpouring of testimony from national and local leaders, civic leaders and everyday citizens shows the deep sadness and anger being experienced across the nation.