Nine people have died, and many more were injured when a man drove his car into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver. The tragic incident occurred just after 8 PM on Saturday in the Sunset on Fraser neighborhood during the Lapu Lapu Festival. Authorities have taken a 30-year-old man into custody.
The police confirmed that the driver was apprehended by bystanders before officers arrived. Video footage shared on social media shows the suspect, dressed in a black hoodie, surrounded by bystanders and a security guard. He appeared distressed, saying, “I’m sorry,” while holding his head.
Vancouver’s Interim Police Chief, Steve Rai, stated that they believe this incident was not an act of terrorism. The police are investigating the situation further, and the driver is known to them from prior incidents.
The Lapu Lapu Festival celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a historical figure in the Philippines who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. This event is significant to Vancouver’s Filipino community, which numbered over 38,600 residents as of the 2021 census, making up about 5.9% of the city’s population.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock and sadness over the event, extending thoughts and prayers to those affected and the Filipino community. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences, stating he was devastated by the news and that the federal government is monitoring the investigation closely.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the Lapu Lapu Festival, which was meant to celebrate culture and heritage, has turned into a scene of grief and mourning.