This story has been updated since first published this morning.
The president of the Sunshine Coast Filipino-Canadian Association says a vigil will be held next weekend to honour and remember those killed at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, April 26.
Gibsons resident Mercy Campbell said she had plans to attend the festival herself but another obligation kept her from going. She noted, the loss of lives at such a peaceful event is unimaginable.
“For me, as a fellow Filipino, just to have our one of our celebrations end up with that kind of tragedy,” said Campbell. “It's almost like, how are we going to do our next event? Are we going to be scared doing this kind of event again? I know that it's not really anything about terrorism or racism or something like that, but it still kind of stays in your mind, what if someone decides to do this during that kind of event, right?”
Saturday, 11 people were killed after a man drove a black Audi SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the festival, located near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue. The men, women and children killed were aged five to 65. As well, more than two dozen others attending the Filipino festival were injured.
Campbell said her best friends, Vancouver residents, were supposed to go, but never made it. Instead, their two daughters attended.
“Someone sent her a video of what happened and she started calling her kids,” said Campbell. “She frantically called them and said, ‘Are you OK? Are you OK?’ They were OK, but their daughters were so shaken, they couldn’t drive and someone else had to drive them home.”
Campbell notes she was unfortunate to see a video showing graphic details, she wishes she had never seen.
“I can't even erase it in my mind, because I've seen the video as raw footage. And there's no blurring of all those details,” she said.
As president of the association, Campbell wanted to do something to honour the victims so began calling around. She noted, the owner of High Beam Dreams in Gibsons has offered their event venue to hold a vigil next Sunday, May 4, at 4 p.m. She noted not all of the details are confirmed, so she will be updating the Sunshine Coast Filipino-Canadian Association Facebook page as more information is available. High Beam Dreams is located at 350 Glassford Rd., Gibsons.
Local governments react
Sunshine Coast local government agencies have responded to the tragic deaths.
In response to the mass killing, Alton Toth, board chair of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) wrote in a statement that he wanted to express “profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those lost at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver.”
“Our hearts also go out to the broader Filipino community and to everyone shaken by this terrible tragedy,” Toth wrote in the statement, which was posted on the SCRD’s Facebook page. “Community festivals should always be places of joy, safety and connection. These are moments where we gather to lift each other up and share in what unites us, and to have such a day end in heartbreak is deeply painful for all of us.
“As a community, we mourn alongside you. We send our thoughts, our sympathy, and our support to all those grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Sechelt Mayor John Henderson also posted a message of condolence on Facebook on behalf of council and the district.
“On behalf of council and everyone at the District of Sechelt, I want to express my sorrow at the tragic and senseless act of violence in Vancouver, last night. Please know that we share your pain and anguish over this terrible event,” Henderson wrote. “We are fortunate to have so many vibrant, giving and wonderful Filipinos who have chosen to make Sechelt their home. We are so grateful for what you bring to our community. In dark times like this, it is especially important for everyone to care for each other. We are all strong but there are times when even the strongest need support. We are here for you.”
Gibsons Mayor Silas White also shared condolences on Facebook. "On behalf of the Town of Gibsons Council and staff, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by the tragic events at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver. Our hearts are with the families, friends, and the entire Filipino community as they mourn this unimaginable loss."
On Sunday, April 27, the BC Prosecution Service charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second-degree murder. Lo has appeared in court and remains in custody.
"The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated,” said VPD Const. Tania Visintin.
The VPD has established a 24-hour assistance centre at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Ave., for anyone who has not been able to contact a friend or family member.
Anyone who cannot attend in person can call 604-717-3321 to speak with a victim liaison officer.
–– With files from Alanna Kelly
