The man accused of driving into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people and injuring many others, has been identified. Authorities announced that 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a Vancouver resident, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
"The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated," police said in a statement. Authorities also warned that the death toll could rise.
Lo has a known history of mental illness and had previous contact with police, reports the Vancouver Sun, who say he had "dozens" of interactions with authorities. Officials said the event is not currently being treated as an act of terrorism. "It would appear that mental health appears to be the underlying issue here," Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said.
Victims ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old and included "mixed genders, male, female, and young people," according to police. Over two dozen individuals were taken to the hospital with injuries after the crash.
The incident happened around 8:14 pm on Saturday, as the Lapu Lapu Day event was wrapping up. Food trucks were still serving customers when the SUV entered the pedestrian area and struck many attendees.
“There were bodies on the street. They were run over. Some were already dead on the spot,” a witness told the Vancouver Sun.
Police said Lo was held by bystanders until officers arrived. Sources told the Vancouver Sun that the man apologized at the scene and appeared to be suffering from mental health issues.
Food truck owner Yoseb Vardeh described the tragic scene. "I didn’t get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev. It didn’t make any sense to me because there’s still people here, like, it sounded like a car speeding. It didn’t make any f*cking sense," he said. "And then I look up and there’s people flying. It just happened so f*cking fast.”
Mayor Sim reacted to the tragedy on X, saying he was "shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event." He added, "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
https://twitter.com/KenSimCity/status/1916350887288836313
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also commented on the attack. "Today I spoke with Mayor Ken Sim, Premier David Eby and Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin on the Lapu Lapu Festival attack," he said. "Ana and I send our prayers to the families, friends and community reeling from this devastating loss."
https://twitter.com/PierrePoilievre/status/1916609706304393653
Poilievre has previously pushed for tougher laws on violent crime. He has proposed a "Three-Strikes-and-You’re-Out" law that would give serious offenders a minimum 10-year prison sentence and classify them as Dangerous Offenders. “We will lock up the worst violent offenders longer and make sure they are not released as long as they pose a danger to our society,” Poilievre said. “Hug-a-thug, catch-and-release policies have destroyed our once-safe towns and cities. Only Conservatives will take violent crime seriously and do what it takes to get it under control.”
https://twitter.com/PierrePoilievre/status/1916649176638595106
According to crime data cited by Poilievre, violent crime has increased by 50 percent in Canada over the last decade.
Mental health and recidivism rates are a growing concern in British Columbia. Research by the University of British Columbia and BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services found that individuals with psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to reoffend. Mental health needs were shown to be significantly linked to both general and violent recidivism, even when controlling for social factors.
Authorities continue to investigate the Vancouver and have not ruled out filing additional charges as the case develops.