The car snats at the Filipino Heritage Street Festival in Vancouver, killing at least 9, says the police

At least nine people were killed when a man led to a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in the Canadian city of Vancouver, and an unknown number was injured, police said on Sunday.

The vehicle entered the street at 8:14 pm on Saturday and hit the people who attended the Lapu Lapu Festival, said the Vancouver police department in a position on social networks.

Several other people were injured, but the exact number of victims was not immediately available.

“We are sure that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” says the police

A 30 -year -old Vancouver man was arrested on the scene and the main crimes section of the department is supervising the investigation, police said.

“At this time, we are sure that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” the police department published early.

Vancouver’s interim police chief Steve Rai said at a press conference that the man was arrested after being initially arrested by the spectators.

The video that circulates on social networks shows a young man in a black hoodie with his back against a fence of the link fence, along with a security guard and surrounded by spectators who shout and swear it.

“Sorry,” says the man, holding his hand in his head.

Rai declined to comment on the video, but said that the person was custody was a “lonely man” who was “known by the police in certain circumstances.”

The festival was held in a neighborhood of South Vancouver. The video posted on social networks showed victims and debris scattered in a long stretch of road, with at least seven people lie motionless on the ground. You could see a black SUV with a front -wrinkled front section in fixed photos of the scene.

James Cruzat, owner of a Vancouver business, was in the event and heard a car revolutionize his engine and then “a strong noise, like a strong explosion” that initially thought it could be a shot.

“We saw people on the road crying, others were like running, shouting or even shouting, asking for help. So we tried to go there just to verify what was really happening until we found some bodies on the floor. Others were lifeless, others like, you know, injured,” Cruzat said.

“It was terrible to see that type of incident, that situation. It was heartbreaking,” said Cruzat. “I couldn’t even imagine that it is really happening in real life, because we usually see that on televisions or movies. But when you are in that kind of situation, it was really shocking … you could do nothing more than pray for them.”

The mayor of Vancouver, Kenneth Sim, said in a publication on social networks that the city would provide more information when possible.

“I am surprised and deeply sad for the horrible incident at the Lapu Lapu Day event today,” Sim said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the Filipina community of Vancouver during this incredibly difficult time.”

Lapu Lapu Day Festival

Vancouver had more than 38,600 inheritance residents in 2021, which represents 5.9% of the city’s total population, according to Statistics Canada, the agency that carries out the national census.

Lapu Lapu’s day celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an indigenous boss who faced the Spanish explorers who arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century. The organizers of the Vancouver event said that “it represents the soul of native resistance, a powerful force that helped shape the Philippine identity against colonization.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian political figures published messages that express surprise for violence, condolences for victims and support for the community that celebrate their inheritance at the festival.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the murdered and wounded, to the Canadian Filipino community and all in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you,” Carney wrote.

“While we wait for more information, our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and the Filipina de Vancouver community, which joined today to celebrate resilience,” wrote Jagmeet Singh, leader of the new Democratic Party, who was at the earliest festival in the day.

“My thoughts are with the Philippine community and all the victims attacked by this meaningless attack. Thanks to the first to answer they are on the scene while we wait to listen more,” wrote the leader of the Conservative Party Pierre Poilievre.

David Eby, the British Columbia Prime Minister, the province where Vancouver is located, said he was shocked and disconsolate. “We are in contact with the city of Vancouver and we will provide any necessary support,” Eby wrote.

In:
• Canada