A total of 11 people lost their lives this Saturday during the Lapu Lapu festival celebration after a 30-year-old male suspect drove into the pedestrians. The suspect is now in custody, and the police department has assured that the attack was not an act of terrorism. The location of the attack was East 43rd Avenue and Fraser in the south of the city. If you are someone who wants to know more about the Vancouver attack and what the Canadian Prime Minister says about it, the following article is for you. It brings you everything we know so far about the Vancouver attack that took 11 lives.
What Exactly Happened During The Vancouver Attack?
Vancouver Police’s interim chief, Steve Rai, stated in one of his statements that there was one suspect and one car involved in the Vancouver attack. On the other hand, Mark Carney called whatever happened on Saturday a car-ramming attack. Eye-witnesses who were present at the site of the attack also reported what they saw. According to a food truck owner, the attack unfolded right in front of his van. (TW) Yoseb Vardeh explained how he stepped outside of his food truck and saw bodies underneath people’s food trucks. People who were waiting for bao buns outside Vardeh’s food truck got hit. The food truck owner also explained how he witnessed husbands crying for their wives and children.
What Mark Carney Said About The Vancouver Attack In His Address To The Public?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the public on Sunday and extended his condolences to the families affected. In his statement, the Prime Minister said that families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter on Saturday night. He also mentioned how the affected families are currently living the nightmare of every family. The Liberty Party leader mentioned that he is joining all Canadians in mourning. His campaign events that were scheduled for this Sunday were also postponed after the attack. Rallies of supporters that were registered in Calgary and Richmond, British Columbia, were also canceled. However, smaller community-focused engagements in Saskatoon and Edmonton are still scheduled to happen.
What Did The Vancouver Officials Say About The Attack?
Ken Sim, Vancouver Mayor, also expressed how the Vancouver incident left him deeply saddened and shocked in one of his posts. He further added that his thoughts are with all the families affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this difficult time. Peter Fry, one of Vancouver’s city councilors, explained how the local residents are still trying to process the attack. The festival was a huge, fun, vibrant, family-oriented street party. He explained how witnessing such a fantastic event turn into something so horrible has the entire city in utter shock.
What Did King Charles III Say About The Vancouver Attack?
King Charles III, the head of state of Canada, along with Queen Camilla, expressed how profoundly saddened they were to learn about the attack in Vancouver. Further in his statement, King Charles III also said that their heart and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered because of this desperate tragedy. He also stated that they are sending the deepest possible sympathy at this agonizing time for Canadian citizens.
How Did The Filipino President And Other Canadian Leaders React To the Vancouver Attack?
Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos expressed how shattered he was to hear about the terrible incident. He also assured that the Philippine Consulate General would work with Canadian authorities to ensure the tragedy is thoroughly investigated. Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, termed it a senseless attack in his statement. Jagmeet Singh from the New Democratic Party explained how horrified he was to learn about the incident that took place at the festival he attended as well. Sigh was not present at the festival at the time of the attack. David Eby, leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party, also expressed how the attack left him shocked and heartbroken.
