Police in Vancouver will provide an update Monday afternoon after a vehicle rammed into a Filipino community festival on Saturday night, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more.
A news conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. PT. CBC News will carry it live.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, and police have said more charges are likely as victims are identified.
Police have said the attack was not an act of terror. While they didn’t provide a motive, they said the suspect had had multiple interactions with police and mental-health workers.
The Ministry of Health said as of Sunday evening, 17 people remained in the hospital, some in critical and serious condition.
On Monday, Vancouver police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said that nine of the 11 people who died were women, and two were men.
Addison said that almost all the victims lived in Metro Vancouver, with one victim’s place of residence not yet identified.
The spokesperson added that seven people were in hospital with critical injuries, and three people had serious injuries.
Police chief defends preparation
On Sunday, VPD’s interim chief Steve Rai called the day of the alleged ramming attack the “darkest day in the city’s history.”
Rai had defended police preparations for the event before it took place, saying that a risk assessment had determined that dedicated officers and heavy police vehicles were not necessary.
“It’s not like we’re not in the neighbourhood,” he told reporters at a news conference with Vancouver’s mayor. “We’re just not marching up and down the street, and we’re not putting concrete barriers up with big dump trucks.”
Officials provide resources
Those who are unable to contact a loved one who was at the event can visit a 24-hour assistance centre that has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre or call 604-717-3321.
Filipino B.C., the group that organized the festival, has announced that victim services are available for those who witnessed the event or experienced trauma. People can call or text 1-800-563-0808 or email [email protected].
The Philippine Consulate General has shared a hotline offering assistance to nationals at 604-653-5858, as well as a migrant workers hotline at 604-767-3354.
