At least nine people were killed and an unknown person was injured when a man drove into the crowd at the Philippine Heritage Festival in the Canadian city of Vancouver, police said Sunday.
The Vancouver Police Department said in a social media post that the car entered the streets at 8:14 p.m. Saturday, attacking people attending Lapu Rap Day.
Several others were injured, but the exact number of casualties has not yet been available.
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“We believe this incident is not an act of terrorism,” the police said.
Police said a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene and the department’s main crime department is monitoring the investigation.
“At present, we are confident that this incident is not an act of terrorism,” the police department released earlier Sunday.
Vancouver Interim Police Chief Steve Rai said at a press conference that the man was arrested after being initially arrested by bystanders.
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Videos circulating on social media show a young man in a black hoodie leaning against a chain fence and joining security guards, screaming and sworn in at him.
“I’m sorry,” the man said holding his hand.
Rai declined to comment on the video, but said the detained were “lonely male” and in some cases “the police knew”.
The festival takes place near South Vancouver. Videos posted on social media showed victims and debris scattered along the long road with at least seven people lying on the ground. A black SUV with a crumpled front can be seen in still photos of the scene.
Vancouver business owner James Cruzat attended the event and heard the car’s engine, then “the loud noise, like a loud explosion,” which he initially thought might have been gunshots.
“We saw people on the road crying, others were like running, shouting and even screaming, asking for help. So we tried to go there just to check what was actually happening until we found some bodies on the ground. Others were lifeless and others were injured.”
“It’s so terrible to see this situation. It’s heartbreaking,” Kruzart said. “I can’t even imagine it actually happening in real life because we usually see that thing on TV or movies. But when you’re in this situation, it’s really shocking. …………………………………….. there’s nothing you can do except pray for them.”
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Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim said in a social media post that the city will provide more information where possible.
“I was shocked and deeply saddened by this horrible incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event,” Sim said. “Our ideas are related to all those affected and the Filipino community in Vancouver, which is during this extremely difficult time.”
Lap Lap Day
Vancouver has more than 38,600 residents of Philippine heritage in 2021, accounting for 5.9% of the city’s total population, according to the agency that conducted the national census.
Lapu Lapu Day celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an indigenous chief who stood among Spanish explorers who came to the Philippines in the 16th century. The organizer of the Vancouver event said he “represents the soul of local resistance, a powerful force that helps face the colonized Filipino identity.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian politicians released the news, expressing shock at the violence, condolences to the victims and support for the community to celebrate its legacy at the festival.
Carney wrote: “I express my deepest condolences to everyone in the Philippines and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
“As we wait for more to learn, our ideas are with the victims and their families – the Filipino community in Vancouver, who gathered together today to celebrate resilience,” wrote Jagmeet Singh, head of the NDP, who attended the festival earlier that day.
“My idea is among all the victims of the Philippine community and this pointless target. Thank you for the first responders on the scene as you wait for more to hear more.”
David Eby, the prime minister of British Columbia, where Vancouver is located, said he was shocked and heartbroken. “We are in touch with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support we need,” Ebby wrote.
