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Man charged with murder after 11 people, including child aged five, killed in Vancouver vehicle attack

People attend a candlelight vigil near the scene where a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival on April 27, 2025.
People attend a candlelight vigil near the scene where a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival on April 27, 2025. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

By Henry Moore

A man has been charged with murder after 11 people were killed when a vehicle was driven into a crowd in Vancouver.

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Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in the early hours of Monday morning, the British Columbia Prosecution Service said.

Lo remains in custody after appearing in court on Sunday.

Police have warned the death toll could yet rise after crowds celebrating Filipino culture were mown down on Saturday night.

Authorities confirmed they're confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.

Acting police chief, Steve Rai, said the victims are aged between five and 65, at a press conference.

He added dozens more have been injured, some critically, and some who have not yet been identified.

A car drove into a crowd of people during the Lapu Lapu Festival
Picture: Getty
Debris and evidence markers lay on the street while police investigate.
Debris and evidence markers lay on the street while police investigate. Picture: The Canadian Press/Alamy Live News

The incident was during the annual Lapu Lapu festival - named after the national hero of the Philippines.

It's believed there were "a few thousand" people in attendance.

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The event was coming to a close when a vehicle suddenly ploughed into the pedestrian-only area.

Social media videos show ambulances and police vehicles at the scene at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim paid tribute to victims as he attended a vigil on Sunday.

He said: "You can feel it here, the community is devastated."

"We're heartbroken, we're sad, we're scared and there's a bit of anger there too.

"A lot of people are just wondering how this could happen in the city of Vancouver."

Liberal Leader Mark Carney hugs a Filipino community member as he visits a memorial for victims
Liberal Leader Mark Carney hugs a Filipino community member as he visits a memorial for victims. Picture: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP
British Columbia Premier David Eby,  Mark Carney's rival in the upcoming Canadian elections, also attended the vigil/.
British Columbia Premier David Eby, Mark Carney's rival in the upcoming Canadian elections, also attended the vigil/. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

'Profoundly saddened'

The King and Queen said they were "profoundly saddened" following the incident.

The statement from the King says: "Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.

"Charles R."

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on X: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival last night.

"Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones."