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Timeline of the Lapu-Lapu Festival Tragedy in Vancouver
FILE: Community leaders and residents at the Community Vigil in Brampton honouring the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy in Vancouver. (Photo: Shafqat Ali MP @shafqatalimp/X)
By Arianne Lacanilao, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
April 26, 2025 — The Day of the Tragedy
Shortly after Black Eyed Peas members apl.de.ap and J. Rey Soul wrapped up their performance at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver’s Sunshine Plaza, the festive atmosphere turned into tragedy. Around 2:00 p.m., a black SUV suddenly plowed through the crowd, striking dozens of unsuspecting attendees.
The tragic incident resulted in 11 deaths and several injuries. The driver, later identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was arrested at the scene.
Eyewitness videos surfaced online, showing the immediate aftermath and emergency response efforts. Witnesses described the moment as chaotic and surreal, as screams quickly replaced the earlier cheers from the performance.
📹 Watch: Kai-Ji Adam Lo at the scene
👉 Watch on Facebook
(Facebook video – you may need to log in to view)
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh had attended the festival earlier in the day and left just minutes before the attack. He later expressed shock and grief over the tragedy.
April 27, 2025 — Suspect Identified and Charges Filed
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Authorities later revealed that Lo had a history of mental health issues and had been under psychiatric care at the time of the incident.
April 27–30, 2025 — National and International Reactions
British Columbia Premier David Eby joined a memorial mass held at Holy Rosary Cathedral, standing in solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended his election campaign, visited the Vancouver memorial site, lit a candle, and met with the victims’ families and community leaders.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre offered condolences at a Filipino church service in Mississauga, Ontario.
Philippine Leadership Responds
* President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his sorrow on April 27, 2025. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Filipino community in Canada.
* Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero called on Philippine Consulate officials in Vancouver to provide full support to the victims’ families.
International Condolences and Support
* King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom expressed their sadness, offering their deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined world leaders in offering condolences to the Filipino community and the people of Canada.
* European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a message of solidarity, while French President Emmanuel Macron also extended heartfelt sympathy to the victims.
Embassies and Diplomatic Responses
* The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and sympathy for the victims and their families.
* The United States Embassy in the Philippines also conveyed its condolences.
I offer my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured at the Filipino festival in Vancouver. My heart goes out to everyone affected.
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) April 27, 2025
Community and Religious Solidarity
* The United Church of Canada offered their prayers and support, especially to the Filipino-Canadian community, following the devastating tragedy.
April 27, 2025 — Community Mourning Begins
Vancouver’s Filipino community, along with people from all over the city, gathered to mourn the loss of those affected by the tragedy. Memorial services and vigils were held across the city.
The members of the Filipino-Canadian Community gathered for a vigil in honor of the victims of the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)
May 1, 2025 — Public Mourning and Vigils
Filipino leaders in Canada, local officials, and cultural groups held a candlelight vigil in Vancouver. The Philippine Consulate expressed its grief and offered assistance to affected families.
Hallmark actor Noel Johansen gave an emotional tribute to his late wife. Meanwhile, various GoFundMe campaigns were launched to support the victims’ families.
May 1–15, 2025 — Condolence Books Opened for Public
The City of Vancouver opened a condolence book for the public to sign and express their sympathies for the victims of the tragedy. The physical book was available at Vancouver City Hall (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily). An online condolence book was also made available for those who couldn’t attend in person.
We invite the public to share messages of condolence for victims of the tragic events at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival.
Messages will be bound into a book and shared with the community.
Sign until May 15:
City Hall: Mon-Fri, 9 am–5 pm
Online: https://t.co/ykNP6vgbwb pic.twitter.com/bTulXIQcQE
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) May 1, 2025
May 2, 2025 – Vancouver Police Department Update
Constable Tania Visintin provided new details about the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy involving the Filipino community. She also urged anyone who witnessed the incident but hasn’t spoken to police yet to come forward and call 604-717-2500.
May 2, 2025 — Official Day of Mourning
British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim declared May 2 as a Day of Mourning for the victims. A memorial mass was held at Holy Rosary Cathedral, with city leaders and members of the Filipino community in attendance.
May 3, 2025 — Mental Health Assessment Ordered for Suspect
The court ordered a psychiatric assessment for Kai-Ji Adam Lo to determine his fitness to stand trial.
May 6, 2025 — Vancouver Police Department Update
Constable Tania Visintin spoke to the media today to share the latest updates on the Vancouver Police Department’s investigation into the attack at the Filipino Lapu-Lapu Festival.
Ongoing — Fundraisers and Legal Process
Ongoing — Community Support, Fundraisers, and Legal Process
Fundraising efforts continue, with multiple campaigns launched to support the victims and their families. In addition to online donation pages, tattoo artists in Vancouver will hold a benefit event on May 19, offering themed tattoos to raise funds.
View this post on Instagram
A tribute and cultural fundraiser is also scheduled for May 24 at the Surrey Arts Centre, bringing together performers and community leaders in remembrance.
READ: Filipino Community Comes Together to Support Lapu-Lapu Victims
Meanwhile, Lo is set to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His next court date is scheduled for May 30, 2025.
This timeline will be updated as more information becomes available. Please refresh the page for the latest developments.
