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
- Vancouver mayor launches review after attack
- Witnesses describe 'terrible' scenes after car ploughs through crowd
- Death toll 11 and more than 20 injured after car drives through street festival
Teacher and school counsellor named as one of 11 people killed
19:00
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Tara Cobham
A 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
17:23
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Rachel Clun
Polling 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
16:54
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Rachel Clun
On 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
16:24
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Rachel Clun
Vancouver’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
15:55
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Rachel Clun
Witnesses 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
15:26
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Rachel Clun
An 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
15:03
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Rachel Clun
Following 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
14:44
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Rachel Clun
Philippine 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
14:24
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Rachel Clun
During 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
14:05
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Rachel Clun
Canadian 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
13:46
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Rachel Clun
Kai-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
13:27
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Rachel Clun
A 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
13:12
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Rachel Clun
Polling 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.
What do the charges against alleged attacker mean?
12:56
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Rachel Clun
Vancouver 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
12:39
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Rachel Clun
Vancouver’s mayor Ken Sim has announced a full review following the Lapu-Lapu festival attack on the weekend.
Vancouver Police appeal for witnesses
12:17
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Rachel Clun
Vancouver 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?
12:02
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Rachel Clun
Thousands 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:
Philippine vice president offers condolences to families and victims of Vancouver attack
11:47
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Rachel Clun
The 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
11:32
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Rachel Clun
Polling 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
11:17
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Rachel Clun
Canadian 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
11:02
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Rachel Clun
Organisers 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
10:47
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Rachel Clun
Witnesses 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
10:32
Kai-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.
Accused yet to enter plea
10:11
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Rachel Clun, AP
Kai-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
09:51
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Rachel Clun
Mourners 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
09:36
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Rachel Clun
Vancouver 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
09:21
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Rachel Clun
Former 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
09:05
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Rachel Clun
Around 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
08:48
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Rachel Clun
Canadians 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
08:32
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Rachel Clun, AP
Shaken 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."
In case you missed it: Canadian PM says families are living a nightmare following attack
08:17
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said families of the victims are “living every family’s nightmare” as he offers condolences following the car-ramming attack.
Victims range in age from five to 65, while more remain critical
08:02
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Rachel Clun, AP
The 11 people killed in the car-ramming incident range in age from five to 65, officials said, while warning the death toll could rise further with other victims critically injured.
Vancouver police said the victims were a mix of male and female, including young people.
More than 20 were injured, some critcally, authorities said, after the black SUV sped down a closed street at 8pm local time on Saturday and hit people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival.
Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim said the city had "suffered its darkest day."
"I know many of us are fearful and feel uneasy," said the mayor. "I know it's hard to feel this way right now, but Vancouver is still a safe city."
The driver, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, aged 30, has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected to follow.
In pictures: Community lays flowers at vigil for victims
07:45
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Rachel Clun
Hundreds of people have laid flowers at a makeshift memorial during a candlelit vigil for victims of the car ramming attack.
Prime Minister lights candles at makeshift memorial
07:25
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has lit a candle at a makeshift memorial for the victims of the attack.
In a picture shared on X, Mr Carney is kneeling to light a candle in front of hundreds of bunches of flowers laid out near the scene where a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival.
“In Vancouver tonight, we laid flowers in memory of the victims of the devastating Lapu Lapu festival attack,” Mr Carney wrote.
“In this incredibly difficult moment, we will comfort the grieving, care for one another, and unite in common purpose.”
In Vancouver tonight, we laid flowers in memory of the victims of the devastating Lapu Lapu festival attack.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 28, 2025
In this incredibly difficult moment, we will comfort the grieving, care for one another, and unite in common purpose. pic.twitter.com/DR1AjNkTIy
Philippine president expresses sympathy for victims
07:05
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Namita Singh
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued a statement expressing sympathy with the victims and their families.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is working with Canadian authorities to ensure that the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and that the victims and their families are supported and consoled," he said.
The Philippine government is coordinating with local police to gather more details about victims and the investigation, while the Vancouver consulate has established a hotline for families, presidential palace press officer Claire Castro told reporters in Manila this morning.
Video: Scene where 11 killed after car ploughed into crowd at Vancouver street festival
06:46
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Namita Singh
Vancouver ‘suffered its darkest day’
06:45
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Namita Singh
Vancouver mayor Kenneth Sim said the city had "suffered its darkest day
"I know many of us are fearful and feel uneasy," said the mayor.
"I know it's hard to feel this way right now, but Vancouver is still a safe city."
Vancouver's large Filipino population was honoring a national heroVancouver 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.
Lapu Lapu Day celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous chieftain who stood up to Spanish explorers who came to the Philippines in the 16th century.
The organisers of the Vancouver event — which was in its second year — said that he "represents the soul of native resistance, a powerful force that helped shape the Filipino identity in the face of colonisation”.
Witnesses describe how they leaped out of the way
06:29
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Namita Singh
Carayn Nulada said that she pulled her granddaughter and grandson off the street and used her body to shield them from the SUV. She said that her daughter suffered a narrow escape.
"The car hit her arm and she fell down, but she got up, looking for us, because she is scared," said Ms Nulada, who described children screaming, and pale-faced victims lying on the ground or wedged under vehicles.
"I saw people running and my daughter was shaking."Ms Nulada was in Vancouver General Hospital's emergency room yesterday morning, trying to find news about her brother, who was run down in the attack and suffered multiple broken bones.
