‘We will emerge stronger': Legislator praises resilience after festival attack
British Columbia legislator Mable Elmore says people must 'continue to wrap our arms around' the Filipino community as it deals with the burden of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy that claimed 11 lives.
Elmore received a standing ovation on her first day back in the legislature since the April 26 attack when an SUV plowed through a crowd of festival-goers in the Vancouver-Kensington riding she represents.
She says people who are still suffering have summoned courage and are turning sadness and despair into love and meaning.
She says the tragedy is a reminder of shared humanity that is both fragile and resilient.
Elmore was at the festival and was on the scene after the suspect was apprehended by bystanders, with videos on social media showing her next to the accused as an angry crowd shouts abuse at him.
Elmore, who became B.C's first MLA of Filipino heritage in 2009, says she is proud of the leadership and response from the Filipino community which has created an emergency task force.
'There is hope,' she told the legislature, 'because the tragedy also demonstrates that our humanity is resilient, we will heal, we will rise and we will emerge stronger.
'I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support from across British Columbia, Canada and around the world for this tragedy. It's meant everything to support the families, the victims and the community, and everybody impacted.'
The suspect in the case, 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, is facing eight charges of second-degree murder, and police have said more are expected.
He appeared by video in Vancouver provincial court on Friday, when a judge ordered a mental health assessment to make sure he was fit for trial.
Lo's next court appearance has been set for May 30.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2025.
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