A 30-year-old man turned a vibrant Filipino cultural festival into a nightmare Saturday night, mowing down dozens of people with an SUV — killing at least 11, including a 5-year-old child, in a devastating attack that left Vancouver in shock.

Kai-Ji Adam Lo was arrested at the scene and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected, police said Sunday.

“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” Interim Police Chief Steve Rai said at an emotional press conference.

Authorities confirmed Lo had a “significant history” of mental health issues, though they found no evidence connecting the rampage to terrorism. Court documents reviewed by Reuters show Lo did not enter a plea during a brief court appearance Sunday.

The horror unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Day festival — a celebration of Filipino pride and resilience — near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as the SUV sped through a pedestrian-only area, crashing into crowds after a concert and speeding past food trucks.

President Marcos “completely shattered” by Vancouver festival horror

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his deep sorrow, saying he was “completely shattered” by the news. On behalf of the Philippine government, he offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Filipino community in Canada. “Liza and I express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” he said, referring to his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. He pledged full support for the victims’ families and promised the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver would assist Canadian authorities during this “unimaginable time of grief.”

In Manila, several government buildings lowered flags to half-staff in mourning.

Nine of the 11 victims have been confirmed as members of the Filipino community, with ages ranging from 5 to 65, police said. Dozens more were hospitalized, some in critical condition.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the massacre. “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” Sim wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The festival, intended to honor the Indigenous hero Lapu-Lapu — who resisted colonial conquest in 1521 — also celebrated inclusion and solidarity across marginalized communities, featuring Black, queer, trans, and other artists of color. Instead, it ended in heartbreak.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Lo’s motive as the city and nation grieve this unimaginable tragedy.

📷 Screenshot from Cherie Escobin-Ranes