On the evening of April 26, 2025, a devastating vehicle-ramming attack occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver’s Sunset neighborhood, resulting in 11 fatalities and over 30 injuries. The incident has been described as the deadliest in the city’s history and one of the most severe vehicle-ramming attacks in Canada, alongside the 2018 Toronto van attack.
At approximately 8:14 p.m. PDT, a black Audi Q7 SUV was driven at high speed through a section of Fraser Street, which had been converted into a pedestrian zone for the festival. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as the vehicle struck numerous attendees, including children and families. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was apprehended by bystanders before police arrived .
The victims ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old. Among the deceased was 34-year-old Brazilian musician Clara “Kira” Ganapol Salim, a co-founder of the Carnival group Marcha Nerd . As of the following day, 17 individuals remained hospitalized, some in critical condition.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive but noted that Lo had a significant history of interactions with police and mental health services. Family members reported concerns about his mental state prior to the attack, and a relative had contacted a psychiatric ward hours before the incident .
The attack has elicited widespread mourning and condemnation. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign events to attend a vigil and meet with victims’ families. Other political leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, expressed solidarity with the Filipino community, which comprises nearly 6% of Vancouver’s population . International leaders, such as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., King Charles III, and French President Emmanuel Macron, also extended their condolences .
Festival Background and Security Concerns
Lapu Lapu Day commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization. The festival, officially recognized in British Columbia since 2023, had become a significant cultural event for the Filipino-Canadian community.
In the wake of the attack, questions have arisen regarding event security, as the venue lacked certain protective measures present at other city festivals. Authorities are reviewing safety protocols to prevent future tragedies .
As investigations continue, the community remains united in grief and resilience, honoring the victims and seeking answers to prevent such incidents in the future.
