Sunday, May 25, 2025

Lapu Lapu Attack: Vancouver driver Kai-Ji Adam Lo charged with murder

The police chief said the death toll could rise, describing the incident as “the darkest day in our city’s history.”

• April 28, 2025
Filipino Lapu Lapu festival
Filipino Lapu Lapu festival

Vancouver police said Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the driver who rammed a car into the Lapu Lapu festival crowd in Vancouver, Canada, killing at least 11 and injuring scores over the weekend, has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder.

The police, in a statement posted on X on Monday, said Mr Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, was charged to court on Sunday and would remain in custody.

“The BC Prosecution Service has now charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second degree murder,” the police said. “Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody. The charge assessment is ongoing, and further charges are anticipated.”

According to the police, 11 people, aged 5 to 65, were killed, and more than two dozen others injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day festival near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue.

Some of those killed at the festival have not been unidentified.

In a press conference on Sunday, acting police chief Steve Rai said they did not believe it was an “act of terrorism”.

Mr Rai added the death toll could rise, describing the incident as “the darkest day in our city’s history.”

This year’s Lapu Lapu Festival, a commemoration of the Filipino anti-colonial leader, turned bloody due to the tragic incident.

Prime Minister Mark Carney commiserated with the victims in a post on X.

“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening,” Mr Carney said. “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”

Similarly, Vancouver’s mayor, Ken Sim, said, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Abubakar Kyari

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Babagana Umara Zulum

Education

Gov. Zulum offers scholarships to female indigenes with over 250 UTME score

The governor said the initiative aimed to promote girl-child education and encourage female students.

Police weapons training

States

Gombe: NBA trains police investigators, prosecutors to enhance competencies

Benjamin Sati, the NBA chairman in Gombe, said the training aimed to improve the quality of criminal investigations and judicial outcomes.

Ahmed Ododo

States

Kogi govt assures residents of decisive steps against security threats

He commended local security structures such as the Okun hunters and other grassroots security outfits for their vital role in maintaining peace and order.

Road under construction used to illustrate this story (Credit: X)

States

Construction of 126km of roads ongoing in Benue southern district: Official

Ms Nongo said the roads, when completed, would connect the entire Benue South senatorial district and beyond.

ARMED POLICE OFFICERS

States

Katsina police kill notorious bandit, rescue five kidnap victims

He said the five kidnapped victims were shot and injured by the assailants.

Nigerian pregnant women

Health

FG, Kwara govt. partner to improve obstetrics care

Ms El-Imam commended the state government for upscaling healthcare delivery, as demonstrated by several infrastructural upgrades across the state.