
A 30-year-old man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly killing 11 people in a car ramming attack at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver on Saturday night.
Lo, who has a history of mental health issues, appeared in court via video on Sunday.
Authorities confirmed that terrorism was not the motive for the attack, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
The attack occurred at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, where a black Audi SUV sped down a closed street, striking attendees between the ages of 5 and 65.
Two dozen others were injured, some critically.
Witnesses described horrifying scenes, with bodies scattered across the road as bystanders rushed to help.
Lo was detained by witnesses before police arrived at the scene.
Vancouver's Mayor Kenneth Sim called the incident "the darkest day in Vancouver’s history."
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who canceled his campaign events, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Filipino Canadian community.
The attack, reminiscent of a similar 2018 incident in Toronto, occurred on the eve of Canada's federal election, with both local and national leaders showing support for the victims' families.
The Filipino community in Vancouver, which makes up nearly 6% of the city's population, was gathered to honor Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous hero.
Authorities are working with the Philippine Consulate to assist the victims' families and ensure thorough investigation.
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