Explainer
The suspect killed nine people after the vehicle Rams was attacked by a crowd at the Philippine Street Festival in Canada.
Canadian police have ruled out “terrorism” as a motive for a deadly car at the Vancouver Street Festival.
At least nine people were killed and several injured on Saturday night.
The investigation is underway as the 30-year-old suspect is in custody.
Here’s what you need to know about the incident and the latest incidents:
What happened in Vancouver?
According to the Vancouver Police Department, they gathered in the crowd for Lapu-Lapu Day, Saturday at 8:14pm (Sunday at 03:14 GMT).
The festival’s major act had just ended, and the crew had been knocking down the stage, tents and vendor stalls. They also lifted a barricade that was blocking traffic to pass through the vehicle when the car was suddenly speeded into the area, reported Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Witnesses described the vehicle as a black SUV and said they heard the car revving its engine before it was plowed into the area. Photos of vehicles that appear to be involved are distributed online at damaged front desks.
An eyewitness who didn’t want to name told Reuters that the driver tried to run but was chased by the festival guy and forced him to fence for about 10 minutes before police arrived and arrested him.
An advanced life support ambulance was sent to the scene where the bodies were seen lying on the ground.
On Sunday (08:00 GMT), around 1am, police ruled out “terrorist acts” as motivated the crash while continuing to investigate the incident.
At this point, I am confident that this incident is not an act of terrorism.
– Vancouver Police (@vancouverpd) April 27, 2025
Where did your car crash in Vancouver?
The incident occurred near the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.
Vancouver is a coastal city in western British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, forests and the Pacific Ocean.
It is home to 662,248 people and is considered one of Canada’s most diverse cities. According to the 2021 census, it is just over half the population of a city identified as one or more racial minority groups, and at least 244 different cultural origins have been identified by residents.
Vancouver also has the second largest Filipino population in Canada after Toronto.
What is the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver?
It is the annual celebration in the Philippines to honor their indigenous leader, Datu Lapu Lapu. On April 27, 1521, he led his men at the Battle of Mactan, beating Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
British Columbia officially recognized the date as the 2023 Lapu-Lapu Day.
Saturday’s event marked the second year in which a Philippine community group in Vancouver held a block party to commemorate the occasion. A concert featuring two members of Black Eyed Peas featured in a parade, film screenings, dance and a lineup released by the organizers.
What do you know about the victims?
Police confirmed that nine people died early Sunday, but the number of injuries remains unknown.
Vancouver’s interim prime minister, Steve Lye, said at a press conference that the victims were taken to several hospitals in the area.
Who is the suspect?
Vancouver police said officers detained the suspect, 30-year-old “lonely man” on scene.
Rai said he was “known to the police in certain circumstances,” but no further details about the man have been released.
Lai also declined to comment on the video circulating online showing a young man in a black hoodie apologizing while surrounded by bystanders.
What’s the latest on the ground?
As of the beginning of Sunday, there remains a strict police presence in the area. A 24-hour support center for affected individuals has been established at Douglas Park Community Centre.
Additionally, police and victim service experts are deployed to help people who have not heard from friends and family who attended the festival.
What is the response to the car’s charge in Vancouver?
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” to hear about the fatal incident.
“I represent my deepest pathetic dol to the loved ones of those killed and wounded, to the Canadian community in the Philippines and to everyone in Vancouver,” he wrote in an X post.
Pierre Polyable, the conservative leader who plays Carney in Monday’s election, said in a social media post he was “shocked by the horrifying news.”
Philippine Sen. President Francis Escadero condemned the law and urged the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver to provide support to the victims.
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