Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy shakes Vancouver

2025 was the year Vancouver was shaken by the deadliest attack in the city’s history.

What began as a celebration of Filipino culture, ended in tragedy for countless families and the tens of thousands of people who attended the Lapu-Lapu Day festival.

The driver of an SUV senselessly plowed through crowds at the East Vancouver block party on April 26.

Eleven people were killed; dozens more were injured. Some of the victims were as young as infants.

Kai-Ji ‘Adam’ Lo — the man accused of being behind the wheel — was arrested at the scene, with reports quickly indicating he had a documented history of mental health issues.

In the days that followed, vigils were held across the province as the city grappled with unimaginable grief and unanswered questions.

“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” said Vancouver Police Department Chief Steve Rai, who was interim police chief at the time of the April attack.

An initial city-led review of public safety at outdoor events found the festival had been appropriately assessed as low risk, with no indication it would turn deadly.

A final report called for changes to event safety planning and clearer guidelines for deploying hostile-vehicle barriers.

Still, Vancouver’s mayor acknowledged the limits of prevention, pointing to gaps in mental health care.

“That’s the real conversation we should be having … until we address that, it’s almost impossible to predict these things. They’re unpredictable,” said Mayor Ken Sim.

In September, a judge ruled that Lo was fit to stand trial, while upholding a publication ban on evidence heard during his mental assessment.

He faces 11 counts of second-degree murder and 31 counts of attempted murder.

His trial is expected to continue in early 2026.