Here’s a quick rundown of what we know:
- Nine people dead, more than 20 injured after a vehicle rammed into the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver.
- A 30-year-old Vancouver man is in custody; authorities believe he acted alone.
- Police say the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
- Eyewitnesses describe a scene of chaos and carnage, with victims lying on the street.
- The Filipino community in Vancouver is in mourning, with leaders expressing shock and sadness.
Festival of Horror: What Happened?
The incident occurred at 8:14 p.m. on Saturday during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration of Filipino heritage. According to the Vancouver Police Department, a vehicle entered the street and struck numerous people in the crowd. The aftermath was described as chaotic, with first responders arriving to find a scene of carnage.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences and confirmed that one person is in custody. “An investigation is ongoing to determine how and why this horrific attack occurred,” he stated. “Authorities have confirmed one person is custody and it is believed they acted alone.”
Eyewitness Accounts: A Night of Terror
Eyewitnesses painted a grim picture of the event. James Cruzat, a local business owner, reported hearing a car rev its engine followed by a loud bang. “We saw people on the road crying, others were like running, shouting, or even screaming, asking for help. So we tried to go there just to check what was really actually happening until we found some bodies on the ground. Others were lifeless, others like, you know, injured,” Cruzat said.
Another witness, Nic Magtajas, described an SUV speeding through the crowd. “I saw a bunch of people go over, go high up from the impact of hitting the car,” said Magtajas, 19.
Who is the Suspect?
Police have arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man in connection with the incident. While his identity has not been officially released, video circulating on social media shows a young man in a black hoodie being detained by bystanders and a security guard. In the video, the man can be heard saying, “I’m sorry.”
Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai stated that the suspect was a “lone male” who was “known to police in certain circumstances.” However, he declined to provide further details.
Community in Mourning: Vancouver’s Filipino Population Devastated
Vancouver is home to a large Filipino community, with over 38,600 residents of Filipino heritage in 2021. The Lapu Lapu Day festival is an important cultural event, celebrating a national hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community.
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.
Aftermath and Investigation: What’s Next?
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Police are working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether any additional security measures need to be implemented at future events.
This tragedy brings to mind a similar incident in Toronto in 2018, when a man used a van to kill 10 pedestrians. While authorities have stated that the Vancouver incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism, it raises concerns about the potential for similar attacks in the future.
As the investigation continues, the city of Vancouver and its Filipino community are left to mourn the lives lost and grapple with the senseless tragedy that has unfolded.
Victims and Support: How You Can Help
Details on the victims are slowly emerging, and the community is rallying to provide support to the families affected. Local organizations are setting up funds to help with funeral expenses and medical bills. If you would like to contribute, please reach out to the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver or other local Filipino community groups.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.