Ottawa Filipino community grieves after Lapu Lapu Festival incident in Vancouver

Police investigate the crime scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd of people during the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. Photo by Andrew Chin /GETTY IMAGESArticle content

Ottawa’s Filipino community is grieving after a speeding SUV drove into a crowd of people at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver on Saturday evening, killing at least 11 people and injuring many more.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

According to reporting from the Vancouver Sun, the event was coming to a close at around 8:14 p.m. PT when a vehicle suddenly drove into a pedestrian-only area and struck several festival participants.

Article content

Vancouver police confirmed that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was subdued by the crowd and arrested. He remains in custody. The suspect had previous interactions with police and health-care professionals because of mental health problems.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Police haven’t determined a motive for the attack but said it is not related to terrorism.

Article content

“On behalf of everyone at the Vancouver Police Department, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families and loved ones, and to everyone who has been impacted by this senseless, heartbreaking act of violence,” said Vancouver Police Department interim Chief Steve Rai.

Article content

“Last night, as thousands of members of Vancouver’s Filipino community gathered for an important cultural celebration, the actions of a single person shattered our collective sense of safety. It is impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever by this lone individual. There are many unanswered questions about why this horrific crime happened.”

Article content

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, the Philippine Centre Canada in Ottawa offered condolences to the families of those killed and injured. The organization also called the incident a “horrific act of violence.” The Philippine Centre Canada is a community organization that connects Filipino Canadian communities throughout the country.

Article content

“In solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community in Vancouver, we strongly condemn this unprovoked and unthinkable violence during this celebratory event. Our prayers go out to the victims, the injured and their families,” the statement, which was posted on Facebook, read.

Article content

A portion of Sunday’s service at the Filipino Community Church was dedicated to the victims of the Vancouver incident.

Article content

“Father give us light. Enlighten us and illuminate us. We also pray for comfort even for those people who are right now grieving because of the loss of a loved one,” said Pastor Alvin Molito at Sunday’s service, which was livestreamed on Facebook.