Vancouver Police offered an update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic events that occurred during this weekend’s Lapu Lapu Filipino festival.
Seven people are still in critical condition, including five men and two women. Those victims range in age between 29 and 66.
Additional victims are in serious condition, and Vancouver Police revealed that one of those victims is only 22 months old. VPD Sergeant Steve Addison said that this is the only child in the hospital following the attack. We also learned that a five-year-old was among the victims who died.
Over 200 witnesses have also been identified, and investigators are working to contact all of them. Addison shared that investigators have received over 50 video submissions.
For members of the South Vancouver community who live near East 41st Avenue and the surrounding area, street closures are expected to continue, and police are working with the City of Vancouver on reopening the affected areas.
“We do expect it to remain closed or secure, at least until tomorrow.”
“The size of the crime scene is significant,” Addison said, adding that there is a lot of evidence to collect. Police are still asking anyone with photos or videos to come forward, as those pieces of evidence are critical to the VPD’s investigation.
Yesterday, we reported that the suspect had an interaction with police the day before the festival attack. Today, Addison was asked more questions about that interaction, but had no additional details to share.
“You can ask me as many times as you want, the answer is not going to change,” Addison said.
The contact that VPD had with the suspect was not criminal in nature and did not require mental health intervention.
Addison shared that there may still be more witnesses or victims out there who haven’t come forward, who might be struggling or dealing with trauma.
At one point, Addison discussed the force’s history of policing large-scale events and shared that some experiences have been good and bad. He pointed to the 2011 Stanley Cup riot as an example.
“We’re open to suggestions. We’re open to making changes in the name of public safety if changes are required,” he said.
“This incident is unlike anything that we’ve ever dealt with here in Vancouver, but we’re really proud of the work that we’ve done and really proud of the work that we will continue to do.”