Vancouver attack latest: Suspect named and charged with murder after 11 killed in car-ramming attack

Thousands of Filipinos gathered in Vancouver on Saturday to celebrate Lapu-Lapu Day, a festival honouring a key figure in Philippine history, when an SUV ploughed into the crowd killing at least 11 people and injuring 20 more.

Read more about the festival here:

The vice president of the Philippines has offered her condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Vancouver car attack.

“My thoughts are with every kababayan [compatriot] affected by an act of violence that has no place in our shared humanity,” Sara Duterte said in a statement.

“I condemn this deliberate assault in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification for targeting peaceful festivalgoers, and those responsible must be held fully accountable under Canadian law.

Ms Duterte thanked the Canadian government as well as Philippine diplomats in Canada for working to “ensure every Filipino in need receives assistance, comfort, and clear guidance”.

“Their commitment to our kababayan’s well-being offers immense reassurance during these challenging times,” she said.

Polling booths will begin to open in less than an hour in Canada’s federal election.

Voters will go to the polls as the country grapples with the aftermath of the fatal car ramming in Vancouver over the weekend, as investigators ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack.

Earlier this year Trump raised tariffs on Canadian goods to 25 per cent, making Canada’s southern neighbour a key issue in the campaign leading up to Monday’s vote.

Voting begins at 8.30am Newfoundland time, and booths will progressively open across Canada’s six time zones.

The last to open will be booths in the Pacific Time zone, which includes Vancouver.

Canadian Blood Services says it has received a “strong show of support” after a car ramming attack at a festival in Vancouver.

The attack left 11 people aged five to 65 dead, while another 20 were injured. Some remain in a critical condition in hospital.

“Our top priority is ensuring patients in Canada receive the blood and blood products they need,” the blood service said.

“We are closely monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Vancouver to make sure that we continue to meet them, and we are moved that we have already experienced a strong show of support with most appointments in the Vancouver area already filled for this week.

The service continued: “However, many appointments are still available elsewhere in B.C. and across Canada. Also, donating in the weeks to come helps keep our national inventory strong into the future.”

Organisers of the Filipino Lapu Lapu festival said they were “devastated” following a car attack which left 11 dead and 20 injured over the weekend.

“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims,” Filipino BC said.

“We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone.”

Witnesses describe the scenes after a black Audi SUV drove through the crowd at the Filipino Lapu Lapu Festival on the weekend in Vancouver, killing 11.

Kai-Ji Adam Lo is yet to enter a plea after being charged with multiple counts of murder over allegations he rammed a crowd of people with a car at a Filipino festival in Vancouver.

The 30-year-old was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in a video appearance before a judge on Sunday, hours after he was arrested at the scene, a spokesperson for British Columbia prosecutors said.

An attorney for Lo was not listed in online court documents, and The Associated Press wasn’t immediately able to reach an attorney representing him.

Police earlier said they had ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack which left 11 dead and 20 others injured.

Investigators said Lo had a history of mental health issues and was known to police.

Mourners in Vancouver attended a candlelit vigil on Sunday night for victims of the car-ramming attack.

Eleven people were killed and 20 injured when a black SUV was driven into the crowd at a Filipino festival on Saturday evening.

Vancouver Police searched the home of 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo on Sunday as the investigation continues into the car ramming attack that has left 11 people dead and 20 injured.

Lo was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder on Sunday with police saying more charges are likely.

The Vancouver Sun reports that about 10 officers searched the home Lo shared with his mother just after 7pm local time.

Vancouver’s interim police chief Steve Rai said earlier that Lo had “a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health.”

One neighbour told Canada’s Globe and Mail that officers had visited the house earlier this month, while another neighbour said Lo was “always yelling with his mum”.