Canada: 30-year-old suspect in Vancouver's Lapu Lapu killings charged with murder

"The BC Prosecution Service has now charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second degree murder. Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody," the Vancouver Police said.

The attack left the country shocked, with the 11 victims also including a five-year-old girl.

Speaking on the incident, Vancouver Police said in a statement: "Eleven people, aged 5 to 65, were killed, and more than two dozen others injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day festival, near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue."

Police said a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested after bystanders and witnesses intervened to detain him.

Police said some of the victims in Saturday’s mass-casualty incident remain unidentified.

Incredibly Difficult Moment: PM Carney

Canadian PM Mark Carney, meanwhile, paid tribute to the victims of the car ramming incident.

"In Vancouver tonight, we laid flowers in memory of the victims of the devastating Lapu Lapu festival attack," he posted on X.

"In this incredibly difficult moment, we will comfort the grieving, care for one another, and unite in common purpose," he said.

The incident occurred at a time when Canada is gearing up to vote in the general election.

King Charles III Says The Incident Left Him Profoundly Saddened

Britain's King Charles III, who is also head of state of Canada, said he and his wife Queen Camilla were 'profoundly saddened' to learn about the 'dreadful attack'  in Vancouver.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonising time for so many in Canada," read the statement issued by the King.

Lapu Lapu Festival

This is a street festival that commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader, Datu Lapu-Lapu, from the 16th century.

Lapu-Lapu was the Philippines' first national hero, who led the victory against Spanish colonisers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.