Suspect plows SUV into Vancouver Filipino festival, killing 11

A man drove an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring several others, according to the Associated Press. 

The incident occurred around 8:14 pm, as the event was winding down, with the final performance concluded and food trucks serving last-minute customers past the official closing time. A vehicle entered a pedestrian-only area and struck numerous attendees. Police confirmed that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested and remains in custody.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing but stated they “are confident that this was not an act of terrorism.”

“There were bodies on the street. They were run over. Some were already dead on the spot,” one bystander told the Vancouver Sun.

Vancouver police said during a Saturday news conference that the suspect was known to police “in certain circumstances.” Bystanders at the festival reportedly held the man until police arrived. Sources told the outlet the suspect was apologizing at the scene and appeared to have mental health issues.

At least 26 people were taken to the hospital with injuries, health officials confirmed, though their conditions have not yet been disclosed.

Yoseb Vardeh, the owner of a food truck stationed at the festival, described the scene to the Vancouver Sun, saying the day had been “an incredible day” that turned into horror.

“I didn’t get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev. It didn’t make any sense to me because there’s still people here, like, it sounded like a car speeding. It didn’t make any f—ing sense,” he said. “And then I look up and there’s people flying. It just happened so f—ing fast.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim posted on X, saying he was “shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.”

“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” Sim said.