UPDATE: 1 a.m.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD), held a press conference, at about midnight, near scene of the mass casualty incident that happened at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, Saturday, to give an update on the ongoing investigation.
Interim police Chief Steve Rai told reporters that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene. The suspect was known to police under certain circumstances, but VPD would not comment further.
Rai was questioned about the April 27, Vancouver Sunday Run, which is Canada鈥檚 largest 10 km road race, and whether there would be increased precautions following Saturday鈥檚 tragic event. Rai explained that the VPD as far as he knew there were no changes to the situation with the Sun Run and there would be a 鈥渇ull robust deployment and it would occur as planned.鈥�
This incident comes after Filipino BC issued a press release at 5 p.m. on April 25 regarding the 鈥渉armful remarks targeting Black performers invited to participate in the upcoming Lapu Lapu Day Block Party."
鈥淭hese incidents have caused distress and created an atmosphere of harm and exclusion. We state clearly and without hesitation: we condemn these acts of anti-Black racism,鈥� reads the release.
Organizers maintained that despite these reports of harmful rhetoric against the Black performers, they were determined to go on with the event, 鈥淟apu Lapu Day is a celebration rooted in the spirit of resistance, resilience, and shared liberation.鈥�
No connections have been made by officials, at this time, to this release by Filipino BC and the event.
The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Vancouver Police Department鈥檚 Major Crime Section.
Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-2500.
Multiple people have been killed and others injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver Saturday (April 26) evening, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).
In a statement posted to social media platform X, the VPD said a vehicle drove into a crowd at the street festival, at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, around 8:14 p.m. The driver, a 30-year-old man is in custody and the investigation is still unfolding.
Police have not yet released details on how many people have died or been injured, but stated they would be providing updates. The investigation is being led the Vancouver Police Department鈥檚 Major Crime Section.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the VPD by calling 604-717-2500.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim issued a statement on social media saying his thoughts are with those affected and the city's Filipino community.
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today's Lapu Lapu Day event," Sim said. "We will work to provide more information as soon as we can."
B.C. Premier David Eby issued a statement echoing Sim's and saying the province is in contact with the city and will provide them with any support needed.
"My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones," the premier added.
A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.
鈥� Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD)
Lapu Lapu Day is one of the largest celebrations in the Philippines and 2025 is the second year a major event was hosted in Vancouver to mark the day. The day is named after Filipino hero Lapulapu who defeated Spanish soldiers in the Battle of Mactan in 1512. Lapulapu's victory delayed Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
The day marks Filipino resilience.
In Vancouver, people came together to celebrate with headline musicians including members of the Black Eyed Peas and a stage with cultural performances and dancers.
Federal party leaders have reacted to the incident. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre he is shocked by the horrific news of the incident, adding his thoughts are with the Filipino community and thanking first responders.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh he was horrified to learn of the incident, saying the community was coming together to celebrate resilience and his thoughts are with them.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney also took he was devastated and the situation was being monitored closely. He thanked first responders and said that Canadians are mourning with the Filipino community.
TransLink also notified those in the Lower Mainland that buses were making detours due to the incident, however, it would provide shelter buses to the VPD to assist people on the scene.
BC Emergency Health Services has also added paramedics alongside more ambulances and two supervisor vehicles to help address call volumes.
BC EHS posted to X stating that, "many staff reached out and offered to come in."
We have added paramedics in 7 more ambulances & 2 supervisor vehicles to help address call volumes after many staff reached out and offered to come in.
鈥� BC Emergency Health Services (@BC_EHS)
More to come...
