At Least 11 Dead in Vancouver Festival Car Attack; Suspect Identified as Jeffrey Bryan Carter Arrested

Vancouver, British Columbia – April 27, 2025

Vancouver is in mourning after a horrific car-ramming attack during the Lapu Lapu Festival left at least 11 people dead and dozens more injured. The devastating incident, which took place on the evening of April 26, 2025, has shocked the city and raised serious questions about safety at public events.

Authorities have confirmed that the suspect responsible for the attack has been identified as Jeffrey Bryan Carter, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident. He was taken into custody late on the night of April 26, shortly after driving a black SUV into a crowd of festivalgoers near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, in the heart of the city’s multicultural neighborhood.

The Attack

The car-ramming attack occurred just after 8:00 PM PT, as the Lapu Lapu Day Festival was winding down. The festival, which celebrates the legacy of Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu and honors the contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, had drawn an estimated 100,000 attendees throughout the day. The festival included a variety of events, including live performances, food stalls, and a street parade. It was an evening meant to be filled with joy, but it turned into a scene of chaos and carnage as Carter drove his vehicle into the crowd.

Witnesses describe a chaotic and terrifying scene as the SUV sped through the street, plowing into festivalgoers who had gathered to enjoy the final moments of the event. “It was like a nightmare. People were screaming and running in every direction. It happened so fast, and before we knew it, people were on the ground,” one witness told reporters. “There was just no time to react. It was horrifying.”

The Victims

At least 11 people were confirmed dead at the scene, while dozens more were injured, with many suffering severe injuries. The victims ranged in age from young adults to elderly individuals, and authorities fear that the death toll may rise in the coming days as more information becomes available. The victims’ identities have not been fully released, but officials have stated that many of the injured were transported to nine different hospitals across the region. In the early hours of April 27, Vancouver Coastal Health declared a “Code Orange” due to the mass casualty event, indicating that the healthcare system was under extreme pressure.

Eyewitness accounts describe the situation as chaotic and frantic, with attendees rushing to help the injured while others tried to flee. “People were trying to get away, but there was just nowhere to go. It was like being trapped in a nightmare,” said another festivalgoer. Several people are still in critical condition, and authorities have warned that the number of casualties could increase.

Suspect Arrested

Jeffrey Bryan Carter, the suspect in the attack, was apprehended near the scene shortly after the incident. Police received reports of the car heading towards the area before the attack occurred, and officers were able to quickly track the vehicle down. Carter was arrested on charges of multiple counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and terrorism-related offenses.

Authorities have confirmed that Carter was previously known to police, though not for violent crimes. Sources have indicated that Carter had a history of minor criminal offenses, but nothing that would have indicated a potential for such an extreme act of violence. A background check also revealed that Carter had been involved in protests and public demonstrations in the past, but there was no evidence to suggest that he had ties to extremist groups.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that Carter’s motive is still under investigation. However, he assured the public that the attack is not being treated as an act of terrorism, despite the scale of the violence. “We are still working to determine the motive behind this horrific act, but at this time, we do not have evidence to suggest that it was politically or ideologically driven,” Chief Rai said. “This was an act of senseless violence that has shaken our community to its core.”

A Community in Shock

The news of the attack has sent shockwaves through Vancouver, especially the Filipino-Canadian community, which makes up a significant portion of the city’s population. Many festivalgoers were from the Filipino community, and the event had served as a celebration of their heritage and culture. The city’s Filipino community, the third-largest cultural group in British Columbia, has expressed their grief and solidarity with the victims and their families.

Vancouver’s Mayor, Lara Mattson, addressed the public on Sunday, expressing her condolences and offering support to the victims and their families. “We are heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” Mayor Mattson said. “This is a devastating loss for the families and friends of those who were killed, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. Vancouver stands united in grief, and we will support our community as we process this horrifying event.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his sorrow over the attack, calling it a “day of unimaginable pain for the people of Vancouver and for all Canadians.” He offered his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed that the government would offer all necessary resources to aid in the investigation and provide support to the city.

The Investigation

The Vancouver Police Department, alongside the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation into the attack. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to piece together a clearer picture of what transpired in the lead-up to the attack.

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival, which celebrates Filipino culture and history, was meant to be a joyous occasion but ended in unimaginable tragedy. The event has now become a site of mourning, with flowers and candles being placed at the scene as members of the community pay tribute to the victims.

Moving Forward

As the investigation continues, the city of Vancouver remains in shock and mourning. Community leaders and local organizations are coming together to offer support to those affected by the attack. The city has also announced plans to provide counseling and mental health services to those impacted by the event.

For now, the focus remains on the victims and their families, as well as on the ongoing investigation. The people of Vancouver, and the entire nation, stand united in their sorrow and their commitment to ensuring that justice is served.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to the attack to come forward, as the investigation is still ongoing. The Vancouver Police Department can be reached at 604-717-2541 for tips or details.

Resources for Victims and the Community

In response to the tragedy, local organizations have been providing grief counseling and support services for the victims’ families and community members affected by the attack. Individuals in need of support can contact the BC Victim Services Unit or the Vancouver Crisis Centre.

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival, once a celebration of heritage and community, is now a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and safety in public spaces.