Leaders from the municipal, provincial, and federal governments were all in Vancouver today to pay their respects to the victims of the horrific Lapu Lapu Day festival attack that claimed the lives of 11 and left dozens more injured.
Liberal leader Mark Carney, Premier David Eby, and Mayor Ken Sim stood together at a memorial on the corner of 41st Ave. and Fraser St. Sunday evening, just blocks from where the incident took place 24 hours earlier.
While Eby and Sim had been near the area all day, it was Carney's first appearance. He made a beeline there upon arriving in Vancouver following a series of campaign events in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The politicians took turns adding flowers on the growing memorial, Carney pausing to pray setting his bouquet down.
They then joined mourners in the singing of "Amazing Grace," before going their separate ways.
Just down the road near Kensington Community Centre, hundreds of people gathered for a vigil. Candles were lit, messages were written, and hugs were shared, as everyone processed the tragedy in their own personal way.
The 30-year-old male suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has since been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Authorities said he had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health prior to allegedly carrying out the attack.
