What We Currently Know About the Vancouver Car Attack
A 30-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody following a vehicle that barreled through a crowded street on April 26, injuring numerous people during the annual Lapu Lapu festival celebrating Filipino heritage.
Here’s what we know so far about this tragic event.
What Occurred?
The assault took place at 8:14 p.m. local time on April 26 at the intersection of Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue as the festival, attended by tens of thousands, was concluding.
Video footage circulating on social media during the incident displayed bodies and debris strewn along the festival roadway, with first responders and law enforcement present.
Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that a suspect was detained after being initially confronted by bystanders.
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A video broadcast on social media depicted a man in a black hoodie standing beside a security guard and amidst a crowd of onlookers who were shouting at him.
“I’m sorry,” the man expressed, with his hand on his head. Rai chose not to comment on the footage.
A woman sits and prays near the site where a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver on April 27, 2025.The Canadian Press/Rich Lam
Who Were the Victims?
The 11 deceased individuals were aged between 5 and 65 years, but Rai cautioned that the death toll may rise due to numerous injuries sustained.
Thirty-two individuals sought treatment at hospitals across the Lower Mainland, with 17 patients still hospitalized, some in critical condition, according to B.C.’s Health Ministry.
Rai confirmed that the victims included both males and females, with “young individuals” among the deceased.
One victim was Kira Salim, a dedicated teacher and school counselor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School.
“Kira was a cherished member of our community whose wisdom and compassion made a significant impact on our middle and secondary school students,” a joint statement from the Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Davidson expressed, noting that the school community is “shocked and heartbroken.”
Toan Le stated that his brother Richard Le, sister-in-law Linh Hoang, and 5-year-old niece Katie Le were killed in the incident. Reportedly, the family is leaving behind their 16-year-old son, who did not attend the event.
Who Was Detained?
A 30-year-old male suspect was arrested on site by Vancouver police.
The Vancouver police confirmed that this incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism. While a clear motive is still unclear, Rai noted that the suspect has had previous encounters with police regarding mental health matters.
The Context of Violence in BC
Rai labeled this event as “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.”
The last instance of mass violence resulting in numerous casualties in the province occurred in 1996 during the Vernon massacre, when nine individuals lost their lives and two sustained injuries.
Mark Vijay Chahal drove to the residence of his ex-wife Rajwar Gakhal on April 5 of that year, ultimately gunning down Gakhal, her parents, four sisters, her brother, and the spouse of one of the sisters. The eldest sister’s mother-in-law and daughter were injured in this horrific act.
Chahal later turned the gun on himself in a motel room.
The most devastating act of violence in the province was in 1965, when 52 individuals died in the bombing of Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21.
The plane crashed in a wooded area in South Cariboo while en route from Vancouver to Prince George. An inquiry determined that the incident happened following a bomb explosion—the case remains unsolved to this day.
Two individuals respond at a memorial following a vehicular attack during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, on April 27, 2025.AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Expressions of Condolence and Vigil Events
Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim expressed that he was “completely heartbroken” over the event and has initiated a review of safety measures implemented at the festival.
“The individual involved has a significant history of mental health challenges,” Sim stated. “I want to emphasize that if any change is to come from this tragedy, it must be substantial. I personally will advocate for changes at all levels of government.”
“The man responsible for this horrific act murdered innocent individuals and wrecked a community celebration,” he stated while addressing reporters at the scene on April 27.
“I aim to transform the rage I feel into support for the Filipino community, ensuring they receive the care they need, and standing by families who have lost loved ones and those injured—showing that we will not be defined by this tragedy.”
Liberal Leader Mark Carney conveyed that the incident has left Canada “shocked, devastated, and heartbroken.”
Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre mentioned while in Mississauga, Ont., on April 27, that the families of the victims will endure a “deep hole in their hearts today, which we will attempt to fill with love.”
“All Canadians stand in solidarity with the Filipino community,” Poilievre said. “We are united with you in mourning the loss of these beloved lives.”
“I lack the words to articulate the profound sorrow I feel right now, but I want the Filipino community to recognize that we stand with you,” he stated from Burnaby. “You are not alone in your grief.”
RJ Aquino mentioned that many individuals will require assistance to heal, informing the hundreds of mourners that festival organizers are working diligently to create an information page for support and resources.
“Currently, no donations are being collected,” he clarified. “Unfortunately at this time, the Philippine consul general’s office has issued warnings against scam fundraisers and similar exploits.”
The Canadian Press, Melanie Sun, Omid Ghoreishi, and Jacob Burg contributed to this report.
