Vancouver police say the mass casualty incident at a Filipino festival on Saturday, April 26, is not being treated as an act of terrorism. Authorities reported that a person drove into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu street festival, killing nine and injuring more than 20 others.
“The suspect was known to police in certain circumstances,” Vancouver acting Police Chief Steve Rai told reporters Saturday night.
Festivalgoer Kris Pangilinan told CBC he saw two volunteers move a barrier, allowing vehicles onto the street as workers were dismantling festival setups, including food trucks, vendor stands and the stage. “We realized what was happening, and everybody started yelling,” Pangilinan said. “[He] just slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people. It was like seeing a bowling ball hit — all the pins flying up in the air.”
Investigation ongoing
The investigation, led by the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section, is ongoing.
The Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party honors a Philippine national hero who fought against Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
The incident, which occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time, resulted in at least nine deaths and more than 20 injuries when a man drove through the crowd during the festival. The suspect was initially detained by people at the scene.
‘Not an act of terrorism’
Vancouver police confirmed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the incident is not being treated as terrorism. “At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” the department said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences on X, writing, “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.”
Canada’s federal election is scheduled for Monday.
