A man has been charged with murder over the car-ramming attack at a festival in Vancouver that killed 11 people, including a five-year-old.
At least 20 other people were injured after a car ploughed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival at 8pm on Saturday.
Teacher and school counsellor Kira Salim has been identified as one of the 11 people killed. She worked at two schools in the New Westminster School District southeast of Vancouver, the district said in a statement issued on Monday, describing how her work and “great spirit” changed lives.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, according to the Vancouver Police Department. More charges are expected, officials said.
Earlier, the city’s interim police chief Steve Rai said the man arrested over the incident was known to law enforcement and mental health professionals before the incident.
Mr Rai said the man in custody had “a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health” as police remained confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.
He called the incident the “darkest day in Vancouver’s history” and said it would be a “watershed moment” for operational changes in the city’s police department.
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney said the nation was left “shocked, devastated and heartbroken” and cancelled final rallies in Calgary, Richmond and British Columbia ahead of the federal election on Monday.
Key Points
- Suspect named and charged with murder over car ramming attack at festival
- Teacher and school counsellor named as one of 11 people killed
- Police chief labels attack the 'darkest day' in Vancouver's history
Suspect detained by bystanders
05:00 , Tara CobhamInterim Police Chief Steve Rai said the suspect was arrested after initially being apprehended by bystanders.
Video circulating on social media showed a young man in a black hoodie with his back against a chain-link fence, alongside a security guard and surrounded by bystanders screaming and swearing at him.
"I'm sorry," the man said, holding his hand to his head. Rai declined to comment on the video.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo: What we know about the Vancouver festival suspect after 11 killed by car driven into crowd
04:00 , Tara CobhamThe man accused of driving into festival goers in Vancouver over the weekend killing 11 people had a history of mental health issues after his brother’s murder last year, police have said.
Police identified the suspect as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, and charged him with eight counts of second-degree murder after a black Audi Q7 SUV was driven into a Filipino heritage festival at around 8pm on Saturday night. The “mass casualty event” at the Lapu Lapu festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street also injured more than 20 people.
Lo was apprehended by bystanders at the scene, who detained him until police arrived and arrested him. “The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated,” the police said.
Here, my colleague Shweta Sharma takes a look at who exactly suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo is.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo: What we know about Vancouver festival suspect after 11 killed
Watch: Tributes left at scene where 11 killed after car ploughed into crowd in Vancouver
03:00 , Tara CobhamFilipino community was honouring a national hero
02:00 , Tara CobhamVancouver had more than 38,600 residents of Filipino heritage in 2021, representing 5.9 per cent of the city's total population, according to Statistics Canada, the agency that conducts the national census.
The organisers of the Vancouver event, which was in its second year, said Lapu-Lapu "represents the soul of native resistance, a powerful force that helped shape the Filipino identity in the face of colonization".
British Columbia Premier David Eby said the province will not let the tragedy define the celebration. He urged people to channel their rage into helping those affected.
"I don't think there is a British Columbian that hasn't been touched in some way by the Filipino community," he said. "You can't go to a place that delivers and not meet a member of that community in the long-term care home or hospitals, childcare or schools. This is a community that gives and gives and yesterday was a celebration of their culture."
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement saying that the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver would work with Canadian authorities to ensure the attack is thoroughly investigated, and that the victims and their families are supported.
Assault reminiscent of deadly attack seven years ago
01:00 , Tara CobhamThe assault was reminiscent of a deadly attack in 2018.
Then, a man used a van to kill 10 pedestrians in Toronto.
Incident may change how Canadian police approach future events
Tuesday 29 April 2025 00:00 , Tara CobhamOfficials will review the situation, and it may change how they approach such events, police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said.
"This was intended to be a safe, fun, family-friendly community block party for people to celebrate their community and culture," Addison said. "The actions of one person stole that away from them."
Investigators gather evidence on Monday
Monday 28 April 2025 23:00 , Tara CobhamInvestigators were seen collecting evidence at the scene on Monday.
They had executed a search warrant at a Vancouver property, police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said.
Investigators were also going through bystander video from the scene.
Eyewitness says sounds of people screaming and bodies hitting vehicle will never leave his mind
Monday 28 April 2025 22:00 , Tara CobhamAn eyewitness has said hearing the sounds of people screaming and bodies hitting the vehicle in the Vancouver attack will never leave his mind.
Kris Pangilinan, who brought his pop-up clothing and lifestyle booth to the festival, saw the vehicle roll slowly past a barricade before the driver accelerated in an area packed with people after a concert.
"He slammed on the gas, barrelled through the crowd," Mr Pangilinan said. "It looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins and all the pins are flying into the air."
Mother and daughter recount seeing damaged SUV and bodies on ground
Monday 28 April 2025 21:00 , Tara CobhamA mother and daughter have recounted seeing the damaged SUV and bodies on the ground after the attack in Vancouver over the weekend.
Nathaly Nairn and her 15-year-old daughter carried flowers to one of the vigils after attending the festival on Saturday.
"Something really dark happened last night," Ms Nairn said as she and her daughter wiped away tears.
What is the Lapu-Lapu Day?
Monday 28 April 2025 20:00 , Rachel ClunThousands had gathered in Vancouver to celebrate Lapu-Lapu Day before tragedy struck.
Here is what the day means for Filipinos around the world:
What is the Lapu-Lapu Day celebrated in Vancouver by Filipino community?
Teacher and school counsellor named as one of 11 people killed
Monday 28 April 2025 19:00 , Tara CobhamA teacher and school counsellor has been identified as one of the 11 people killed when a driver plowed a sport-utility vehicle through a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver over the weekend.
Kira Salim worked at two schools in the New Westminster School District southeast of Vancouver, the district said in a statement issued on Monday.
Salim "was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact," the district's superintendent and board chair wrote. "Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives."
Voting begins in Vancouver, just days after tragedy
Monday 28 April 2025 17:23 , Rachel ClunPolling booths in Vancouver have opened just days after a tragedy took the lives of 11, including a five-year-old child.
Police charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder on Sunday afternoon, after a black SUV was driven through crowds gathered for the Lapu-Lapu festival.
The incident slowed what would have been a frenetic last day of campaigning ahead of the federal election, with Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelling some major rallies and attending a memorial service on Sunday morning.
Polling stations opened at 7am Pacific Time.
In pictures: vigil by candlelight for victims of Vancouver attack
Monday 28 April 2025 16:54 , Rachel ClunOn Sunday, family, friends and members of the community gathered at a makeshift memorial to remember the victims of the attack.
Eleven people were killed, including a five-year-old, while more than a dozen remain in hospital after a car rammed into festivalgoers in Vancouver on Saturday.
Police chief labels attack the 'darkest day' in Vancouver's history
Monday 28 April 2025 16:24 , Rachel ClunVancouver’s interim police Chief Steve Rai labelled the attack which has left 11 dead and another 20 injured the “darkest day in the city’s history”.
He also said it would be a “watershed moment” for the city’s emergency responders, in a press conference on Sunday.
"It is hard to make sense of something so senseless, and I know there are questions about whether this tragedy could have been prevented," Mr Rai said, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
He said the city would work to “review all of the circumstances surrounding the planning of this event."
"The system had worked up to this point — but this will be a watershed moment for city operations, police, ambulance, and all stakeholders," he said.
Watch: witnesses describe scenes after car ploughs through crowd
Monday 28 April 2025 15:55 , Rachel ClunWitnesses have described the “terrible” scenes after a black SUV drove through a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver on Saturday, killing 11 and leaving more than a dozen in hospital.
Witness saw SUV driving 'recklessly' before Vancouver tragedy
Monday 28 April 2025 15:26 , Rachel ClunAn eyewitness says he saw a black SUV “driving recklessly” through Vancouver minutes before it ploughed into crowds at a Filipino festival, killingn 11 people and injuring many more.
Vancouver resident Colton told local radio station 730 CKNW run by Global News on Sunday that he saw the driver driving “too fast” through his neighbourhood.
“He was speeding down our side street and then turning onto our street, 43rd Avenue. And then, you know, I thought he was just a bad driver,” said Colton, whose surname was not published by the outlet.
He then saw the SUV make a u-turn and walked past the vehicle, but a minute or two later the car sped past, into the road closed to vehicles for the festival.
“There were so many people that were still walking on the street and just enjoying the evening,” he said.
Nearly 20 in hospital, some critical
Monday 28 April 2025 15:03 , Rachel ClunFollowing the attack at the festival on Saturday evening, 32 patients were taken to hospital, including the 11 who died, the British Columbia Ministry of Health said.
The ministry confirmed with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday that 17 patients remained in hospital, including some in a serious condition and others in a critical condition.
Some of the patients were receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, the ministry said.
Philippine president shares 'grief and anguish' with Vancouver
Monday 28 April 2025 14:44 , Rachel ClunPhilippine president Bongbong Marcos has shared his condolences with the victims of a car ramming attack, which occurred during a Filipino festival in Vancouver on Saturday.
“On a day meant to honour the courage of Lapu-Lapu, our kababayans [compatriots] in Vancouver became victims of an unspeakable tragedy,” he said in a statement.
“As your President, and as a father, I share in your grief and your anguish. The lives lost will not be forgotten.”
Mr Marcos said the Filipino people stood together “in mourning, prayer, and in unwavering support”.
“We will do everything in our power to bring comfort, to bring help, and to honour their memory with action,” he said.
What we know about the attack so far
Monday 28 April 2025 14:24 , Rachel ClunDuring a Lapu-Lapu Filipino festival in Vancouver on the weekend, a black SUV ploughed into the crowd killing 11 people and injuring dozens more. Here’s what we know so far.
- Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was charged on Sunday afternoon with eight counts of second-degree murder. Vancouver police said more charges were possible.
- Eleven people were killed, and victims range in age from five to 65, police said, with not all victims identified yet.
- Vancouver police say the number of dead could rise in coming days and weeks, with some of the more than 20 injured people in a critical condition.
- Investigators ruled out terrorism as a motive, saying Lo had “a significant history” of interactions with police and mental health professionals
- Police chief Steve Rai said it was the “darkest day in Vancouver's history”.
- The attack comes as Canadians head to the polls on Monday.
In case you missed it: Canadian PM says families are living a nightmare following attack
Monday 28 April 2025 14:05 , Rachel ClunCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said families of the victims were “living every family’s nightmare” following the car-ramming attack.
Why suspect's alleged mental health issues won't affect the investigation
Monday 28 April 2025 13:46 , Rachel ClunKai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, after 11 people were killed and dozens more injured when a black SUV struck crowds at a festival in Vancouver on the weekend.
Investigators on Sunday said the incident was not terror-related, and interim police chief Steve Rai said Lo had a history of mental health issues and contact with police.
A former police chief and British Columbia solicitor, Kash Heed said investigators would treat it like any other murder investigation, regardless of the suspect’s mental health.
“Whether he is going through a mental health crisis or something else should not certainly take away from the fact that 11 homicides were committed here,” he told the Vancouver Sun.
Mr Heed said it was wise for police to announce that it was not a terror attack as soon as they had established that fact.
“I think we as a society will always default to terrorism when a tragedy of this magnitude happens,” he said.
Watch: flowers laid in makeshift memorial to Vancouver victims
Monday 28 April 2025 13:27 , Rachel ClunA makeshift memorial quickly sprang up near the scene of a car ramming incident that killed 11 and injured dozens more during a Filipino community festival in Vancouver.
Voting opens in Canadian election
Monday 28 April 2025 13:12 , Rachel ClunPolling booths have opened across eastern Canada as the country reels from the tragic attack in Vancouver.
Voters are also choosing between current Prime Minister Mark Carney and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre in the shadow of US President Donald Trump’s increasing tariffs on Canada.
Read all our coverage of the election here.
What do the charges against alleged attacker mean?
Monday 28 April 2025 12:56 , Rachel ClunVancouver Police charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder.
Second-degree murder is broadly defined as a deliberate but unplanned killing, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
The minimum sentence for second-degree murder is life in prison, according to Canada’s criminal code.
According to Canada’s justice department, those convicted of second-degree murder cannot be eligible for parole until they have served between 10-25 years of their sentence.
In case you missed it: Vancouver mayor launches review after attack
Monday 28 April 2025 12:39 , Rachel ClunVancouver’s mayor Ken Sim has announced a full review following the Lapu-Lapu festival attack on the weekend.
Vancouver Police appeal for witnesses
Monday 28 April 2025 12:17 , Rachel ClunVancouver Police appealed for witnesses following the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy that has left 11 people dead.
Police said some of the victims, aged five to 65, were yet to be identified, and more than two dozen more had been injured after an SUV was driven into crowds at the Vancouver festival on Saturday evening.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
“Witnesses who have not yet come forward are asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500 and speak with investigators,” Vancouver Police said.
“Anyone with images or bystander video of the incident is asked to visit vpd.ca and upload it to an online portal so it can be reviewed by investigators.”
What is Lapu-Lapu day, celebrated in Vancouver before the tragedy?
Monday 28 April 2025 12:02 , Rachel ClunThousands of Filipinos gathered in Vancouver on Saturday to celebrate Lapu-Lapu Day, a festival honouring a key figure in Philippine history, when an SUV ploughed into the crowd killing at least 11 people and injuring 20 more.
Read more about the festival here:
What is Lapu-Lapu Day, celebrated in Vancouver by Filipino community?
Philippine vice president offers condolences to families and victims of Vancouver attack
Monday 28 April 2025 11:47 , Rachel ClunThe vice president of the Philippines has offered her condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Vancouver car attack.
“My thoughts are with every kababayan [compatriot] affected by an act of violence that has no place in our shared humanity,” Sara Duterte said in a statement.
“I condemn this deliberate assault in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification for targeting peaceful festivalgoers, and those responsible must be held fully accountable under Canadian law.
Ms Duterte thanked the Canadian government as well as Philippine diplomats in Canada for working to “ensure every Filipino in need receives assistance, comfort, and clear guidance”.
“Their commitment to our kababayan’s well-being offers immense reassurance during these challenging times,” she said.
Polling set to open in Canadian election, in shadow of Vancouver tragedy
Monday 28 April 2025 11:32 , Rachel ClunPolling booths will begin to open in less than an hour in Canada’s federal election.
Voters will go to the polls as the country grapples with the aftermath of the fatal car ramming in Vancouver over the weekend, as investigators ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack.
Canadians will choose between prime minister Mark Carney or opposition leader Pierre Poilievre to lead the country, in an election that has also been overshadowed by US President Donald Trump.
Earlier this year Trump raised tariffs on Canadian goods to 25 per cent, making Canada’s southern neighbour a key issue in the campaign leading up to Monday’s vote.
Voting begins at 8.30am Newfoundland time, and booths will progressively open across Canada’s six time zones.
The last to open will be booths in the Pacific Time zone, which includes Vancouver.
Blood donation appointments filled in Vancouver following tragedy
Monday 28 April 2025 11:17 , Rachel ClunCanadian Blood Services says it has received a “strong show of support” after a car ramming attack at a festival in Vancouver.
The attack left 11 people aged five to 65 dead, while another 20 were injured. Some remain in a critical condition in hospital.
“Our top priority is ensuring patients in Canada receive the blood and blood products they need,” the blood service said.
“We are closely monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Vancouver to make sure that we continue to meet them, and we are moved that we have already experienced a strong show of support with most appointments in the Vancouver area already filled for this week.
The service continued: “However, many appointments are still available elsewhere in B.C. and across Canada. Also, donating in the weeks to come helps keep our national inventory strong into the future.”
Festival organisers 'devastated' following attack
Monday 28 April 2025 11:02 , Rachel ClunOrganisers of the Filipino Lapu Lapu festival said they were “devastated” following a car attack which left 11 dead and 20 injured over the weekend.
“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,” Filipino BC said.
“We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone.”
Watch: witnesses describe 'terrible' scene after car drives through crowd
Monday 28 April 2025 10:47 , Rachel ClunWitnesses describe the scenes after a black Audi SUV drove through the crowd at the Filipino Lapu Lapu Festival on the weekend in Vancouver, killing 11.
What we know about the Vancouver festival suspect so far
Monday 28 April 2025 10:32Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after black Audi was driven into Filipino heritage festival, killing 11 and injuring 20 others.
Here’s what we know about Lo so far.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo: What we know about the Vancouver festival suspect after 11 killed by car driven into crowd
Accused yet to enter plea
Monday 28 April 2025 10:11 , Rachel Clun, APKai-Ji Adam Lo is yet to enter a plea after being charged with multiple counts of murder over allegations he rammed a crowd of people with a car at a Filipino festival in Vancouver.
The 30-year-old was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in a video appearance before a judge on Sunday, hours after he was arrested at the scene, a spokesperson for British Columbia prosecutors said.
An attorney for Lo was not listed in online court documents, and The Associated Press wasn't immediately able to reach an attorney representing him.
Police earlier said they had ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack which left 11 dead and 20 others injured.
Investigators said Lo had a history of mental health issues and was known to police.
In pictures: Candlelit vigil for car-ramming victims
Monday 28 April 2025 09:51 , Rachel ClunMourners in Vancouver attended a candlelit vigil on Sunday night for victims of the car-ramming attack.
Eleven people were killed and 20 injured when a black SUV was driven into the crowd at a Filipino festival on Saturday evening.
Home of man charged over car attack searched by police
Monday 28 April 2025 09:36 , Rachel ClunVancouver Police searched the home of 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo on Sunday as the investigation continues into the car ramming attack that has left 11 people dead and 20 injured.
Lo was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder on Sunday with police saying more charges are likely.
The Vancouver Sun reports that about 10 officers searched the home Lo shared with his mother just after 7pm local time.
Vancouver’s interim police chief Steve Rai said earlier that Lo had "a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health."
One neighbour told Canada’s Globe and Mail that officers had visited the house earlier this month, while another neighbour said Lo was “always yelling with his mum”.
Trudeau shares condolences following Vancouver attack
Monday 28 April 2025 09:21 , Rachel ClunFormer Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has shared his condolences following the attack in Vancouver which has left 11 people dead and others fighting for life in hospital.
“My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the victims of the tragic attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver,” he wrote on X.
“I join all Canadians in standing with the Filipino community at this difficult time.”
What we know so far about the car attack
Monday 28 April 2025 09:05 , Rachel ClunAround 8pm on Saturday, a black SUV ploughed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Filipino festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people. Here’s what we know so far.
- Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, and Vancouver police said more charges were possible.
- Victims range in age from five to 65, police said, with not all victims identified yet.
- Vancouver police say the number of dead could rise in coming days and weeks, with some of the 20 injured people in a critical condition.
- Investigators have ruled out terrorism as a motive, saying Lo had “a significant history” of interactions with police and mental health professionals
- Police chief Steve Rai said it was the “darkest day in Vancouver's history”.
- The attack comes ahead of a federal election, with Canadians set to head to the polls within hours.
Canadians prepare to go to the polls following attack
Monday 28 April 2025 08:48 , Rachel ClunCanadians will start heading to the polls in a few hours, following Vancouver’s “darkest day” with 11 people dead and more than 20 injured in the car-ramming attack on the weekend.
Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled the last rallies of the election campaign on Sunday in Calgary, Richmond and British Colombia following the tragedy, though he went ahead with smaller events in Edmonton and Saskatoon, Canada’s Globe and Mail reports.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre continued campaigning, but added a visit to a Filipino church on Sunday morning. On social media, he shared images and videos of rallies in Peterborough, Carleton and Ottowa.
Mr Poilievre said he spoke with Vancouver Mayore Ken Sim, Premier David Eby and Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin following the attack.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh scrapped nearly all his pre-election day events.
Shaken locals lay flowers for victims
Monday 28 April 2025 08:32 , Rachel Clun, APShaken festival attendees and locals have laid flowers at a makeshift memorial to the victims of the car ramming attack in Vancouver.
Nathaly Nairn and her 15-year-old daughter carried flowers to one of the vigils. They had attended the festival on Saturday, and Nairn recounted seeing the damaged SUV and bodies on the ground.
"Something really dark happened last night," Nairn said, as she and her daughter wiped away tears.
Emily Daniels also brought a bouquet. "It's sad. Really sad," she said. "I can't believe something like this could happen so close to home."
