David Eby has expressed his solidarity with the Filipino community following a horrific attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in south Vancouver the night before that left eleven dead and dozens injured.
Speaking near the scene at 44th Ave. and Fraser St. on Sunday, the premier said British Columbians were "right to be angry," and vowed to "take the actions that are necessary" to help prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future.
"I have just such a sick feeling," a visibly upset Eby said. "It was about 24 hours ago just a few blocks from here I was here with my daughter on stage ... celebrating a community in this province that does nothing but give, has nothing but love. I don't think there's a British Columbian who hasn't been touched by the Filipino community."
"When I think about what's core to my experiences with the Filipino community, it's family, it's love, it's celebration, and that's what yesterday was," Eby continued. "Music and food and joy."
He went on to make it clear that "the grief right now and solidarity with the Filipino community is not just Vancouver, not just British Columbia; it's national, and it's even international."
Eby said that while it was natural to "feel rage," he called on British Columbians to stand with those impacted in their time of need.
"British Columbians are right to be angry," Eby said when pressed on the systemic failures that led to the mentally unwell suspect being able to carry out the attack.
"What we don't know is why," Eby said of the attack, "but we're counting on police, and we're counting on our justice system to get the answers that we need, and as we get those answers, we'll take the actions that are necessary."
He added that the province would work with law enforcement and officials at the local level to boost safety at big events in the future.
According to the Vancouver Police Department, the 30-year-old male suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health. He has since been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Interim Chief Steve Rai called it "the darkest day in Vancouver's history."
A vigil is planned for 6 p.m. near the sight of the attack.
