A tragic incident unfolded in Vancouver as a man drove his SUV into a crowd at a local block party, resulting in the death of at least 11 individuals, including some who were very young. The suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident whose identity has not been disclosed, was already known to law enforcement due to his extensive history of police interactions. He was also familiar to mental health professionals, according to interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai.
The horrifying event took place at the Lapu Lapu Filipino festival in Vancouver on a Saturday. The black SUV driven by the suspect plowed through the crowd, causing chaos and panic. The death toll from the incident has since risen to 11, with dozens more injured. Authorities have warned that the number of fatalities could increase as some victims are still in critical condition.
“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” Rai said in a statement. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., just as the festival was winding down and organizers were removing barriers. The suspect drove his vehicle into a crowd of hundreds who were still present at the event.
Witnesses at the scene described the horrifying incident, comparing it to a bowling ball smashing through pins. After the suspect’s vehicle came to a stop, he was apprehended by festival attendees until the police arrived.
The incident has left the city in shock and mourning, with residents seen embracing each other at the scene of the attack. Memorials have been set up, with people leaving flowers in honor of the victims. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also made a statement about the deadly incident, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families.
The suspect, who was known to both law enforcement and mental health professionals, was detained at the scene. His motivations for the attack are still under investigation. This tragic event has left a deep scar on the city of Vancouver, as it mourns the loss of its residents and seeks answers to this senseless act of violence.