Vancouver mourns its 'darkest day' together after Lapu Lapu festival attack

Editor’s Note: This article contains descriptions of violence that some readers may find upsetting. Resources offering support for readers and community members are available at the end of this story.

Vancouverites came together on Sunday in grievance and commiseration following an attack at Lapu Lapu Day Festival that left 11 dead and many injured, described as the city’s "darkest day” by the interim police chief that morning.

Community members — joined by neighbours from across the Lower Mainland — gathered near the site of the incident at E 41st and Fraser Street, filling the sidewalk space at the intersection. Many came with flowers and candles to lay at an impromptu memorial forming along a chain link fence while others silently paid their respect or offered shoulders and ears to those in need.

Nearby at Kensington Community Centre, a crowd formed outside to hear speakers and officials offer words of unity and understanding.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on April 26, a black Audi SUV approached the festival from 43rd Avenue before proceeding to drive into the crowd along Fraser Street, striking several people. The driver was subsequently detained by bystanders before being arrested by police.

Before the vigil began, the VPD announced that 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Chief Steve Rai said Lo has had “substantial contact” with police related to mental health issues.

In the same press release, the VPD detailed that 11 people aged 5 to 65 were killed in the attack. The exact number of people injured was not disclosed.

The block party, organized by Filipino BC and Sunset on Fraser, was held to celebrate Datu Lapu-Lapu: an Indigenous Visayan chief considered a national hero of the Philippines. In 2023, the provincial government recognized April 27 as Lapu Lapu Day.

“Last night was extremely difficult and the community will feel this for a long time,” said Filipino BC Chair RJ Aquino in a press conference on Sunday morning, standing alongside Vancouver-Kensington MLA Mable Elmore.

Elected officials have addressed both the community and those coping with loss. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in the evening of April 26 that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the “horrific” attack, while Prime Minister Mark Carney shared a statement offering his “deepest condolences” to the families of victims and the Filipino-Canadian community.

BC Premier David Eby made similar remarks on Saturday, encouraging people to channel their rage at the suspect into support for the Filipino community.

Eby and Sim were joined by Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and other councillors at the memorial. Carney paid his respects later in the evening, flying from a campaign stop in Saskatoon to light a candle.

At the end of the addresses, the crowd came alive clapping — not in applause but in harmony with one another at the encouragement of a community member speaking, who ended the clapping with a single "stop."

“Beautiful; maraming salamat,” she said, thanking the crowd in Tagalog before they slowly dispersed.

AMS VP External Solomon Yi-Kieran was also among those in attendance.

“I just am kind of in shock that something like this could happen,” said Yi-Kieran in an interview with The Ubyssey. “It's just unheard of and my heart just goes out to the Filipino community and everybody who was there.”

Yi-Kieran encouraged others to donate blood and support to proper charities if able.

“So many people came out to show solidarity and support for the community — I think everybody's just trying to do whatever they can to support people,” said Yi-Kieran.

In a statement released today, UBC President Benoit-Antoine Bacon said the university will be lowering its flags to half mast.

“At this very difficult time, we urge care and compassion for any staff, faculty or students impacted by this unthinkable event and who may need additional support,” Bacon said.