“Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival,” Apl.de.ap, who headlined the event, wrote
At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured after an SUV plowed into a crowd in Vancouver, British Columbia, during a Filipino street festival on Saturday night. The incident at Lapu Lapu Day festival occurred shortly after Apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas finished a headlining DJ set.
Authorities charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver who was arrested at the scene, with eight counts of murder; it’s unclear yet if he faces first or second-degree murder charges, per the CBC. Police did not believe it was connected to terrorism and that he is their sole suspect.
“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” Steve Rai, the acting chief of the Vancouver Police Department, said at a news conference Sunday morning. Rai said the incident took place shortly after 8 p.m. The youngest victim was age 5.
“Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival. J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened,” Apl.de.ap, who is Filipino American, wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “It’s hard to describe the shock and the heaviness we feel. Thank you to everyone who’s checked in — your love means the world. Please keep the victims, their families, and the organizers in your prayers. They need all the love and strength right now.”
He continued: “The one thing I have noticed — from the audience to the messages sent around, is the sense of community that wraps its loving arms around us. We love you all.”
The annual Lapu Lapu Day festival is hosted by the local Filipino community to honor Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Indigenous leader who defeated Spanish forces in the Philippines in 1521.
“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims,” the festival’s organizers wrote.
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