Car-Ramming Attack Shocks Vancouver's Filipino Community

Community members hold vigils to honor the victims, as investigations into the driver’s motives continue.

In a haunting turn of events, the vibrant atmosphere of the Lapu Lapu Festival in South Vancouver was shattered on Saturday when a car barreled into the crowd, leading to the deaths of 11 people and injuring over 30. This celebration of Filipino culture, filled with music and food, transitioned into a scene of grief and disbelief.

Franchesca Gabo, who had just exited the festival before the chaos unfolded, returned on Sunday to join a makeshift vigil. “It was such a happy day,” she reflected somberly, standing by the police cordon, trying to comprehend the devastation.

Law enforcement indicated that the incident does not appear to be an act of terrorism. However, the 30-year-old suspect in custody, said to have mental health issues, has been charged with murder. Details about the victims emerged quickly, revealing the tragic extent of the loss. Among the deceased were Katie Le, a vibrant 5-year-old, along with her parents, Richard Le and Linh Hoang. A teenage sibling, Andy, survived by opting to stay home to work on school assignments.

Additionally, the local school board mourned the loss of guidance counselor Kira Salim, expressing heartbreak and shock at her passing. Such a profound loss has left the community grappling with sorrow as they seek to honor the lives cut short during a day that was meant for celebration.