The man accused of plowing into festival goers in Vancouver, Canada, over the weekend was known to police.
11 people who were attending the Lapu Lapu Filipino heritage festival on Saturday evening were killed, while more than 20 others were injured. The festival celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century indigenous leader in the Philippines who led an uprising against Spanish colonisers. The event featured a concert, a parade, dancing and a film screening, and was coming to an end when an SUV ploughed into crowds on Saturday night at 8pm local time.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after a black Audi Q7 SUV drove into crowds. He was apprehended by bystanders and witnesses who apprehended the suspect until police arrived and arrested him.
Canadian police said that those killed in the attack ranged from just five years old to 65 years of age.
Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, confirmed that there had been “multiple fatalities,” saying in a statement: “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
He said: “I’m heartbroken, I’m shocked, and I’m angry. To the Filipino community and the family members of the victims, we see you, we love you, and we grieve with you.”
Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody. The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated.
Police did not directly give an indication of a possible motive, except to say that “the person we have in custody does have a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health.”
Police said in a statement: “The charge assessment is ongoing, and further charges are anticipated.”
Police also said that they had not had any interactions with the suspect immediately preceding Saturday night.
Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai, of Vancouver Police told a press conference on Sunday that the death toll could rise, adding: “It is the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.
“The person we have in custody does have a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.”