In the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant Filipino community, a night of celebration turned to unimaginable tragedy on April 26, 2025, when a black Audi SUV plowed through the bustling Lapu Lapu Day festival, claiming the lives of 11 people and leaving dozens more injured. Among the victims was Kira Salim, a beloved teacher-counsellor at the New Westminster school district, whose warmth and dedication touched countless lives. The festival, a joyful tribute to Filipino heritage honoring the historic resistance of chieftain Lapu-Lapu against Spanish colonization, drew thousands to East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. As families savored food from vendors and the echoes of a performance by Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap faded, the sudden horror of the attack shattered the night.
Kira Salim, 34, was a Brazilian musician and a cornerstone of her school community, known for her profound impact on middle- and secondary-school students. The New Westminster school district superintendent described her as a guiding light whose wisdom and compassion left an indelible mark. Her death, alongside others ranging in age from 5 to 65, has left colleagues, students, and families grappling with grief. The school district issued a statement expressing their shock and heartbreak, noting that the loss of such a cherished colleague reverberates deeply. Salim’s contributions extended beyond the classroom; she was a founder of the Carnival group Marcha Nerd, blending her passion for music and culture with her commitment to community.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo, faces eight counts of second-degree murder, with authorities anticipating additional charges as the identification of victims continues. Vancouver police have emphasized that the attack, which occurred just after 8:14 p.m., was not an act of terrorism but appears linked to the suspect’s history of mental health challenges. Lo, apprehended by bystanders before being taken into custody, was known to police and healthcare professionals for prior interactions related to mental health, though he had no criminal record. The investigation, involving over 100 officers, is ongoing, with Interim Police Chief Steve Rai calling the incident the “darkest day” in Vancouver’s history.
The attack unfolded with chilling speed. Eyewitnesses recounted a black SUV maneuvering past a lifted barricade, initially moving slowly before accelerating through the crowded street. One vendor, Kris Pangilinan, recalled the moment the vehicle surged forward, striking festivalgoers with devastating force. The scene was chaotic, with screams piercing the air and bodies scattered amidst overturned food trucks. Bystanders, in a remarkable act of courage, detained the driver until police arrived. The aftermath, captured in haunting videos circulating online, showed paramedics tending to the injured and families clinging to one another in disbelief.
The Filipino community, which numbers over 140,000 in Vancouver, is reeling. The Lapu Lapu Day festival, officially recognized by British Columbia in 2023, is a cornerstone of cultural pride, celebrating resilience and unity. RJ Aquino, head of Filipino BC, spoke of the profound grief and confusion gripping the community, with residents checking on loved ones amidst the chaos. Vigils across the city have drawn hundreds, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who canceled election events to visit the site and attend a church service, lighting candles in solidarity. British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also joined mourners, expressing rage and sorrow over the senseless loss.
The tragedy, occurring days before a federal election, prompted a rare pause in political campaigning. Leaders across parties, including NDP’s Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the festival moments before the attack, voiced their condolences. The Philippine Consulate General pledged support, while King Charles III expressed his profound sadness. As Vancouver mourns, questions linger about the festival’s security. Despite a prior risk assessment finding no threats, the absence of heavy barricades has sparked debate, with officials vowing a thorough review.
For now, the city holds its breath, honoring the memory of Kira Salim and the 10 others lost in a moment that transformed a celebration into a somber reminder of fragility. The road to healing will be long, but the strength of Vancouver’s Filipino community, bolstered by an outpouring of support, promises resilience in the face of heartbreak.