It has been revealed that the man who allegedly drove his vehicle through a crowded Filipino festival in Vancouver on Saturday night had been on "extended leave" from hospital at the time of the attack.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges are expected to be filed as the investigation continues.
According to the Vancouver Sun's Kim Bolan, Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed that Lo was "under the care of a mental health team and on extended leave in accordance with the Mental Health Act."
Lo was said to be suffering from paranoia and delusions.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Vancouver Police Department Sgt. Steve Addison said Lo had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health, and confirmed that he had "contact" with police on April 25, one day before the attack. Addison noted, however, that the interaction "was not criminal in nature," and "did not rise to the level where mental health intervention was required."
He also provided more information about the victims, saying nine of the dead were women, and two were men, and all but one lived in Metro Vancouver. Of the dozens still in hospital, seven are in critical condition and three are in serious condition.
Eleven people were killed and dozens were injured when a driver plowed his vehicle into a crowd at a Filipino festival in south Vancouver Saturday evening.
The 30-year-old male suspect had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health
According to Vancouver Police Department Interim Chief Steve Rai, the incident took place shortly before 8:15 p.m. near East 43rd Ave. and Fraser St., where thousands had gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day.
He explained that the suspect "approached the festival area from the west on East 43rd Ave., entered a small crowd-enclosed area, and drove through the crowd." There were few barriers preventing vehicles from entering the scene, which was where all the food trucks were located.
Of the dozens who were injured, a number were transported to nine different hospitals in varying conditions. Rai said the number of dead could increase in the coming days.
Rai called it "the darkest day in Vancouver's history."
Rai went on to note that the suspect, who was the "lone occupant" of the vehicle, is in custody in a "secure cell," but has not been charged. As a result, no further information about his identity was released.
He did say, however, that the suspect "does have a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health," and that "the evidence in this case does not lead us to believe that this was an act of terrorism."
Footage of the aftermath was posted to X showed numerous people lying on the ground as first responders and bystanders did what they could to assist.
An image of the vehicle allegedly used in the attack showed the front bumper completely ripped off and the hood bent upwards from the impact of the attack.
A number of politicians shared messages of support for the victims.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tweeted: “I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada. On behalf of the Philippine government and the Filipino people, Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada…. We are one with the families of the victims and the Filipino community in Vancouver during this difficult time.”
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event," Mayor Ken Sim wrote. "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."
"I am shocked by the horrific news emerging from Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival tonight," Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wrote. "My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack. Thank you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more."
"Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter," Liberal leader Mark Carney said Sunday morning. "Those families are living every family's nightmare, and to them and to the many others who were injured, to the Filipino-Canadian community, and to everyone in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver, I would like to offer my deepest condolences, and my wishes for strength and compassion in this tragic time."
King Charles III also sent his condolences.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Following the tragedy in Vancouver, I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”