Vancouver, British columbia, is reeling after a vehicle ramming attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival left 11 dead and 32 injured. The festival, a party of Filipino heritage and culture, turned into a scene of chaos and grief on Saturday evening when a black Audi SUV sped through a closed street lined with food trucks, striking attendees.

A Family’s Unimaginable Loss

The Le family, planning to enjoy the music, food, and camaraderie of the festival, faced unimaginable tragedy. Their 16-year-old son chose to stay home to finish homework, a decision that spared him from the horror that unfolded. His father, Richard Le, his stepmother, Linh Hoang, and his 5-year-old sister, katie Le, were among those killed, according to Richard Le’s brother, Toan Le.The teenage boy is reportedly in a state of shock.

His sister Katie le was nearing graduation from kindergarten and was described as a vibrant and joyful child.

Toan Le, GoFundMe Page

The Scene of Devastation

The Lapu Lapu day festival, which commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous chieftain who resisted Spanish explorers in the 16th century, became a site of carnage. Among the deceased were nine females and two males, ranging in age from 5 to 65, all residents of the Vancouver metropolitan area, according to Vancouver police spokesperson Steve Addison. Seven individuals remain in critical condition, and three are in serious condition at local hospitals as of Monday.

Mourning and Remembrance

Vigils were held to remember the victims, with mourners, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, gathering to pay their respects before Monday’s national election. The tragedy occurred just two days before a similar incident in Illinois,where a vehicle crashed into an after-school program,killing four children and injuring several others.

The Suspect and Examination

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Damienne Darby, spokeswoman for British Columbia prosecutors, stated that lo appeared before a judge via video on Sunday but has not yet entered a plea. Investigators have indicated that more charges are possible. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai noted that there is no indication of a motive but that the suspect has a notable history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health.

Addison confirmed that lo had contact with police the day before the attack in a neighboring jurisdiction, but that contact was not criminal in nature and it did not rise to the level where a mental health intervention was required. A publication ban has been issued by the Vancouver Provincial Court, restricting the release of details about the legal case to protect the rights of the accused and the privacy of the victims.

A Brother’s Grief and Loss

Adding another layer of tragedy, Lo’s brother, 31-year-old Alexander Lo, was the victim of a homicide last year. Kai-ji lo had initiated an online fundraising effort, which has since been deleted, to collect donations for his brother’s burial. In an archived version of the webpage, he expressed being burdened with remorse for not spending more time with him. He also mentioned that their mother had taken out significant loans to build Alexander a home, leaving her in a financially strained situation.

Eyewitness Accounts of Horror

Noel Johansen, who was at the festival with his wife, Jenifer Darbellay, and their two children, recounted the horrifying moments of the attack. They lived only a short distance away and were visiting the festival for the third time. It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement, Johansen said, describing the scene as like a giant tidal wave. Darbellay, 50, was killed, while the rest of the family survived. Johansen remembered her as selfless, creative, and empathetic.

That’s the whole problem. We need to forgive the perpetrators of the crimes that are committed against us.

Jenifer Darbellay, as recalled by Noel Johansen

Johansen said that he’s trying to honor that philosophy.

A Community in Mourning

Makayla Bailey recalled seeing her friend Kira Salim, a teacher and school counselor, just hours before the attack. Salim had apologized for not being out more often. I told them, ‘It’s OK it’s been crappy out, the weather sucks, summer’s coming so I’m sure we’ll see each other a lot more,’ Bailey said, remembering Salim’s popular drag king performances. I didn’t think it would be the last conversation we would ever have, she added. The New Westminster School District confirmed that salim was among those killed in the attack.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Precautions

Investigators were collecting evidence at the scene and had executed a search warrant at a Vancouver property. They are also reviewing bystander videos from the scene. Officials will review the situation to determine if changes are needed for future events. addison stated, This was intended to be a safe, fun, family-friendly community block party for people to celebrate their community and culture. The actions of one person stole that away from them.