We’re hearing more about the fatal incident that broke out during a Filipino festival in South Vancouver this weekend, and now Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has shared his thoughts with the city.
Eleven people have been confirmed dead following the incident, with many more injured.
On Sunday afternoon, Sim was joined by acting VPD Chief Steve Rai at a press conference at Vancouver City Hall. Other leaders, including Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Chief Karen Fry and a few city councillors, also joined Sim.
“I stand here before you today not just as the mayor of Vancouver but also as a father, a husband, a son, a neighbour, and a friend,” Sim said.
- You might also like:
- 'Darkest day in our city's history': Suspect involved in Vancouver festival tragedy was known to police
- 30-year-old in custody after mass casualty at Vancouver street festival
- 11 people confirmed killed in Lapu Lapu Vancouver street festival incident
- Canada's leaders react to mass casualty incident at Vancouver street festival
“Yesterday, Vancouver and the Filipino community suffered its darkest day here in the City of Vancouver.”
“I’m heartbroken, I’m shocked, and I’m angry,” the mayor continued. Sim said the events at the Lapu Lapu festival were unthinkable.
“To the Filipino community and the family members of the victims, we see you, we love you, and we grieve with you.”
Sim also said they’re reviewing public safety protocols, which include how events like Saturday nights are policed.
“I encourage you to keep your plans in place,” Sim said, regarding events.
Sim clarified to residents that Vancouver is “still a safe city.”
To further that point, he mentioned that most events have gone on without incident.
The mayor spoke a little bit about the suspect involved, saying that he has a significant history of mental health issues, and is known to police for a multitude of mental health interactions, adding that it seems to be the underlying issue.
When acting VPD chief Rai took the mic, he said this was an incident the likes of which the city has never seen before.
“Eleven people have now died. Their ages range from five to 65. Dozens more are injured. Some critically. And some have not yet been identified,” Rai said.
Rai added that the Douglas Park Community Centre has established a 24-hour assistance centre. He said he expects the feelings of grief and rage to continue over the next few days as officials learn more. Rai added that there is no ongoing threat to residents.
In response to reporters, Sim said that a tragedy like this could happen anywhere and that the key would be to look at the root causes. Rai concurred with the mayor, saying that the police would try to find and address root causes.
Rai was asked how many interactions police have had with the suspect, but he refused to pin down a number, saying it wouldn’t be appropriate to share “until the right time.” Police are now canvassing the area, including trying to track where the suspect’s journey began before reaching the festival.
Earlier on Sunday, B.C. Premier David Eby addressed the violent incident at a press conference outdoors, blocks away from where the Vancouver Filipino festival turned tragedy took place.
“I don’t think there’s a British Columbian that hasn’t been touched in some way by the Filipino community,” he said.
“This is a community that gives and gives.”
The visibly emotional premier expressed how the incident has gained national and international attention. Publications like the BBC are reporting on the story.
“We don’t know all the answers yet. We don’t know why,” Eby said.
Eby spoke of his rage and expressed his desire to turn that rage into unity with the Filipino community. He added that he would meet with the prime minister and leaders of the Filipino community on Sunday evening.
Reporters asked Eby how this might affect policy moving forward, and he said those answers would come once the province finds out more about why this happened.
Organizations and institutions around Vancouver have expressed their condolences to the Filipino community and others who have been impacted. A candlelight vigil has been planned for 5 p.m. on Sunday at Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue.
- You might also like:
- 'Darkest day in our city's history': Suspect involved in Vancouver festival tragedy was known to police
- 30-year-old in custody after mass casualty at Vancouver street festival
- 11 people confirmed killed in Lapu Lapu Vancouver street festival incident
- Canada's leaders react to mass casualty incident at Vancouver street festival