INTERIM Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said on Sunday that there have been 11 fatalities so far as a result of a man driving into a large crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street on Saturday at approximately 8:14 p.m.

Rai said police “believe that dozens more are injured, some seriously, and the number of dead could rise in the coming days or weeks.”

“The most critically injured were transported by ambulance to nine different hospitals throughout Metro Vancouver,” he added.

Rai said that it was not an act of terrorism.

A 30-year-old Vancouver man, who was the lone suspect, was held by members of the public and police then took him into custody. Rai said the suspect “does have a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health issues.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X on Sunday: “I spoke with Premier [David Eby] this morning to offer my condolences following the tragic attack at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver. The Vancouver Police Department and municipal and provincial officials have the full support of the federal government as they conduct their investigations. Our government — and all of Canada — is united behind the Filipino Canadian community and the people of Vancouver in this incredibly painful time.”

Premier Eby said in a post on X on Saturday “Shocked & heartbroken to hear of the lives lost & those injured at the Lapu Lapu festival. Police are investigating & a suspect is in custody. We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support needed. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”

On Sunday he said: “Our value as a society is measured in the way we respond to those in their moment of need. As BC’s Filipino community has shown us, we must do everything we can to meet this challenging moment with love and dedication to community.”

The City of Vancouver announced on Sunday: “The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast at all City buildings until further notice to honour the victims of the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day festival. The City extends its deepest condolences to the Filipino community and all those impacted by this tragedy.”

The investigation is ongoing and is being led the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section.

Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-2500.

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