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Epoch Times
07-05-2025
- Epoch Times
Day of Mourning in BC as Vancouver Festival Attack Suspect to Face Court
It's a day of remembrance and mourning in British Columbia today for victims of the deadly attack at a Filipino festival, as the suspect in the killings faces court. A community spokesman says the official day of mourning for the 11 people who died after an SUV sped through a crowded street will be part of the healing process but 'certainly not the end of it.' RJ Aquino with Filipino BC, the group that organized the Lapu Lapu Day event last Saturday, says the government's designation of the day of mourning shows the significance of the tragedy in the history of the province and the city. One of the events to mark the occasion will be a 5:10 p.m. mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver. That's about three hours after the suspect in the case, 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, is due to face provincial court to make an application. The British Columbia Prosecution Service says Lo's lawyer requested the appearance be moved ahead from the previously scheduled date of May 26. Related Stories 5/1/2025 5/1/2025 Lo faces eight charges of second-degree murder and police have said more charges are expected. Aquino says the community is receiving support from around the world, while memorials to those killed and the dozens hurt grow. He says more needs to be done to cushion the impact of the attack with additional support from the City of Vancouver, and the provincial and federal governments. Premier David Eby, who is expected to attend the mass, says the day of mourning gives B.C. residents time to reflect on those who died or were injured as they show solidarity with the Filipino community. Schools and other public offices will remain open, but Eby says he expects employers to be understanding if people wish to attend events or mark the day in their own way.

03-05-2025
Mental health assessment ordered for man accused of killing 11 at Vancouver festival
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- A Canadian judge on Friday ordered a man accused of ramming his sport utility vehicle through a Filipino heritage festival crowd, killing 11 people and injuring dozens, to receive a mental health assessment to determine if he's fit to stand trial. A publicity ban prevents the publication of why Judge Reginal Harris made the decision. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, appeared in provincial court via video link. He wore an orange short-sleeved jumpsuit and sat on a blue couch. He is expected to return to court on May 30. Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving an SUV through a crowd of people at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day Street festival on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Attending Friday's hearing was Marco Harder, vice consul for the Consulate General of the Philippines. Lo had previously been scheduled to appear in court on May 26, after making his first appearance by video on Sunday, the day after the attack. Damienne Darby with the British Columbia Prosecution Service said that Lo's lawyer had requested the next appearance be moved ahead. Lo's court appearance came just hours before a memorial mass to pray for victims of the tragedy. The B.C. provincial government had declared Friday a provincial day of mourning for the victims. In a statement, Premier David Eby extended his 'deepest and most heartfelt condolences' to anyone who had lost a loved one. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured. 'To anyone suffering: Your pain is our pain,' the statement said. 'Your loss is our loss. We stand with you.' Mayor Ken Sim also released a statement saying the tragedy has touched people of all backgrounds. 'We are devastated,' the statement said. 'We are heartbroken. And we are standing together in grief and solidarity.'


NBC News
03-05-2025
- NBC News
Judge orders mental health assessment for man accused of killing 11 at Vancouver festival
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A Canadian judge on Friday ordered a man accused of ramming his sport utility vehicle through a Filipino heritage festival crowd, killing 11 people and injuring dozens, to receive a mental health assessment to determine if he's fit to stand trial. A publicity ban prevents the publication of why Judge Reginal Harris made the decision. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, appeared in provincial court via video link. He wore an orange short-sleeved jumpsuit and sat on a blue couch. He is expected to return to court on May 30. Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving an SUV through a crowd of people at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day Street festival on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Attending Friday's hearing was Marco Harder, vice consul for the Consulate General of the Philippines. Lo had previously been scheduled to appear in court on May 26, after making his first appearance by video on Sunday, the day after the attack. Damienne Darby with the British Columbia Prosecution Service said that Lo's lawyer had requested the next appearance be moved ahead. Lo's court appearance came just hours before a memorial Mass to pray for victims of the tragedy. The B.C. provincial government had declared Friday a provincial day of mourning for the victims. In a statement, Premier David Eby extended his 'deepest and most heartfelt condolences' to anyone who had lost a loved one. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured. 'To anyone suffering: Your pain is our pain,' the statement said. 'Your loss is our loss. We stand with you.' Mayor Ken Sim also released a statement saying the tragedy has touched people of all backgrounds. 'We are devastated,' the statement said. 'We are heartbroken. And we are standing together in grief and solidarity.'


San Francisco Chronicle
02-05-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Judge orders mental health assessment for man accused of killing 11 at Vancouver festival
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A Canadian judge on Friday ordered a man accused of ramming his sport utility vehicle through a Filipino heritage festival crowd, killing 11 people and injuring dozens, to receive a mental health assessment to determine if he's fit to stand trial. A publicity ban prevents the publication of why Judge Reginal Harris made the decision. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, appeared in provincial court via video link. He wore an orange short-sleeved jumpsuit and sat on a blue couch. He is expected to return to court on May 30. Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving an SUV through a crowd of people at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day Street festival on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Attending Friday's hearing was Marco Harder, vice consul for the Consulate General of the Philippines. Lo had previously been scheduled to appear in court on May 26, after making his first appearance by video on Sunday, the day after the attack. Damienne Darby with the British Columbia Prosecution Service said that Lo's lawyer had requested the next appearance be moved ahead. Lo's court appearance came just hours before a memorial mass to pray for victims of the tragedy. The B.C. provincial government had declared Friday a provincial day of mourning for the victims. In a statement, Premier David Eby extended his 'deepest and most heartfelt condolences' to anyone who had lost a loved one. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured. 'To anyone suffering: Your pain is our pain,' the statement said. 'Your loss is our loss. We stand with you.' 'We are devastated,' the statement said. 'We are heartbroken. And we are standing together in grief and solidarity.'


The Hill
02-05-2025
- The Hill
Judge orders mental health assessment for man accused of killing 11 at Vancouver festival
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A Canadian judge on Friday ordered a man accused of ramming his sport-utility vehicle through a Filipino heritage festival crowd, killing 11 people and injuring dozens, to receive a mental health assessment to determine if he's fit to stand trial. A publicity ban prevents the publication of why Judge Reginal Harris made the decision. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, appeared in provincial court via video link. He wore an orange short-sleeved jump suit and sat on a blue coach. He is expected to return to court on May 30. Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving an SUV through a crowd of people at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day Street festival on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Attending Friday's hearing was Marco Harder, vice consul for the Consulate General of the Philippines. Lo had previously been scheduled to appear in court on May 26, after making his first appearance by video on Sunday, the day after the attack. Damienne Darby with the British Columbia Prosecution Service said that Lo's lawyer had requested the next appearance be moved ahead. Lo's court appearance came just hours before a memorial mass to pray for victims of the tragedy. The B.C. provincial government had declared Friday a provincial day of mourning for the victims. In a statement, Premier David Eby extended his 'deepest and most heartfelt condolences' to anyone who had lost a loved one. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured. 'To anyone suffering: Your pain is our pain,' the statement said. 'Your loss is our loss. We stand with you.' Mayor Ken Sim also released a statement saying the tragedy has touched people of all backgrounds. 'We are devastated,' the statement said. 'We are heartbroken. And we are standing together in grief and solidarity.'