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Murder charges filed against suspect in ramming attack on Vancouver street festival that killed 11

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Murder charges filed against suspect in ramming attack on Vancouver street festival that killed 11
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News

Murder charges filed against suspect in ramming attack on Vancouver street festival that killed 11

2025-04-28 09:41 Last Updated At:09:52

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Murder charges were filed Sunday against a suspect in a weekend car ramming attack that killed 11 people between the ages of 5 and 65 at a Filipino heritage festival in the city of Vancouver, a tragedy that shook Canada on the eve of a federal election.

The British Columbia Prosecution Service charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second degree murder and said more charges were possible. Investigators ruled out terrorism and said Lo had a history of mental health issues.

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Debris and evidence markers lay on the street while police investigate after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival Saturday evening killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Debris and evidence markers lay on the street while police investigate after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival Saturday evening killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Members of the Vancouver Police forensics team examine a victim's phone while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday killing multiple people at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Members of the Vancouver Police forensics team examine a victim's phone while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday killing multiple people at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the Vancouver Police forensics team picks up a shoe while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday night at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the Vancouver Police forensics team picks up a shoe while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday night at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the public lights a candle near the scene where a vehicle drove into crowd on Saturday at a street festival killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the public lights a candle near the scene where a vehicle drove into crowd on Saturday at a street festival killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two women embrace at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two women embrace at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors pay their respects at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors pay their respects at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two people react at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two people react at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh walks with Rosita Taruc, front centre, as he arrives to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish, after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed on Saturday at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh walks with Rosita Taruc, front centre, as he arrives to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish, after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed on Saturday at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh talks with Rosita Taruc, right, as NDP candidate for Vancouver Kingsway Don Davies, back centre, listens as they arrive to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed at a Filipino heritage festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh talks with Rosita Taruc, right, as NDP candidate for Vancouver Kingsway Don Davies, back centre, listens as they arrive to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed at a Filipino heritage festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People become emotional as they light candles and gather at a growing memorial next to the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People become emotional as they light candles and gather at a growing memorial next to the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People comfort each other near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People comfort each other near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, right, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friend Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, right, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friend Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, delivers remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, delivers remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, second from right, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, walk with members of the Filipino community to a press conference after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, second from right, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, walk with members of the Filipino community to a press conference after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, deliver remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, deliver remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A handwritten note in a frame is seen at a growing memorial for victims the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A handwritten note in a frame is seen at a growing memorial for victims the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People view a growing memorial near the scene where a driver killed multiple people the previous day during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People view a growing memorial near the scene where a driver killed multiple people the previous day during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A handwritten note is seen near flowers and the flag of the Philippines at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A handwritten note is seen near flowers and the flag of the Philippines at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors stand near a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors stand near a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, views flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, views flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Adonis Quita, center, who witnessed the event, sings during a worship service at the Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Adonis Quita, center, who witnessed the event, sings during a worship service at the Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A young child and his mother leave a teddy bear and flowers, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival, in Vancouver, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A young child and his mother leave a teddy bear and flowers, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival, in Vancouver, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A man leaves flowers on a fence, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival last night, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A man leaves flowers on a fence, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival last night, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A Vancouver Police officer monitors the scene as a memorial of flowers grows the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A Vancouver Police officer monitors the scene as a memorial of flowers grows the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A person pays their respects at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A person pays their respects at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, places flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, places flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, center, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Ronnie Claire, right, and Manjit Claire, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, center, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Ronnie Claire, right, and Manjit Claire, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Police tape and closure signs are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Police tape and closure signs are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, facing, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, facing, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers and Vancouver Police vehicles sit at a scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers and Vancouver Police vehicles sit at a scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A victim lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh greets attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh greets attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, center right, dances with attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, center right, dances with attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh gives a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh gives a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pauses while giving a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pauses while giving a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Lo, a Vancouver resident, appeared in court and remains in custody, prosecutors said. An attorney for Lo wasn’t listed in online court documents and The Associated Press wasn’t immediately able to reach an attorney representing him.

Dozens of people were injured, some critically, when a man driving a black Audi SUV entered the street just after 8 p.m. Saturday and struck people attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival. He was arrested at the scene. Authorities had not released victims' names by Sunday evening.

“It is the darkest day in Vancouver’s history,” Police Interim Chief Steve Rai told a news conference.

“The person we have in custody does have a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health," he said.

Hundreds of people gathered Sunday evening for a vigil honoring the victims. “It’s sad. Really sad,” said Emily Daniels, who brought a bouquet. “I can’t believe something like this could happen so close to home.”

Nathaly Nairn and her 15-year-old daughter also carried flowers. They had attended the festival on Saturday, and Nairn recounted seeing the damaged SUV and bodies on the ground.

“Something really dark happened last night,” she said, as she and her daughter wiped away tears.

Video of the aftermath shows the dead and injured along a narrow street in South Vancouver lined by food trucks. The front of the driver's SUV is smashed in.

Kris Pangilinan, who brought his pop-up clothing and lifestyle booth to the festival, saw the vehicle enter past the barricade slowly before the driver slammed on the gas in an area that was packed with people after a concert. He said hearing the sounds of bodies hitting the vehicle will never leave his mind.

“He slammed on the gas, barreled through the crowd,” he said. "And all I can remember is seeing bodies flying up in the air higher than the food trucks themselves and landing on the ground and people yelling and screaming. It looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins and all the pins are flying into the air.”

Pangilinan said that it would be hard to believe “that someone has some malice against the Filipino people.”

Rai said the suspect was arrested after initially being apprehended by bystanders.

Video circulating on social media shows a young man in a black hoodie with his back against a chain-link fence, alongside a security guard and surrounded by bystanders screaming and swearing at him.

“I’m sorry,” the man says, holding his hand to his head.

Rai declined to comment on the video.

Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled his first campaign event and two major rallies on the final day of the election campaign before Monday’s vote.

“Last night families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, father, son or a daughter. Those families are living every family's nightmare,” Carney said. “And to them and to the many others who were injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver, I would like to offer my deepest condolences."

Carney planned to join British Columbia Premier David Eby and community leaders Sunday evening in Vancouver.

In 2018, a man used a van to kill 10 pedestrians in Toronto. Eight women and two men died. Alek Minassian, who was found guilty, told police that he belonged to an online community of sexually frustrated men, some of whom have plotted attacks on people who have sex.

Carayn Nulada said that she pulled her granddaughter and grandson off the street and used her body to shield them from the SUV. She said that her daughter suffered a narrow escape.

“The car hit her arm and she fell down, but she got up, looking for us, because she is scared,” said Nulada, who described children screaming, and pale-faced victims lying on the ground or wedged under vehicles.

“I saw people running and my daughter was shaking.”

Nulada was in Vancouver General Hospital’s emergency room Sunday morning, trying to find news about her brother, who was run down in the attack and suffered multiple broken bones.

Doctors identified him by presenting the family with his wedding ring in a pill bottle and said that he was stable, but would be facing surgery.

James Cruzat, a Vancouver business owner, was at the celebration and heard a car rev its engine and then “a loud noise, like a loud bang” that he initially thought might be a gunshot.

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

Vincent Reynon, 17, was leaving the festival when he saw police rushing in. People were crying and he saw bodies on the ground. “It was like something straight out of a horror movie or a nightmare,” he said.

Adonis Quita said when he saw the SUV ramming through the crowd, his first reaction was to drag his 9-year-old son out of the area. The boy kept saying “I’m scared, I’m scared,” Quita recalled. Later they prayed together. His son had just relocated to Vancouver from the Philippines with his mother to reunite with Quita, who has lived here since 2024. Quita said he worries the child will struggle to adjust to life in Canada after witnessing the horrific event.

Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim said the city had “suffered its darkest day."

“I know many of us are fearful and feel uneasy,” said the mayor. “I know it’s hard to feel this way right now, but Vancouver is still a safe city.”

Vancouver had more than 38,600 residents of Filipino heritage in 2021, representing 5.9% of the city’s total population, according to Statistics Canada, the agency that conducts the national census.

Lapu Lapu Day celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous chieftain who stood up to Spanish explorers who came to the Philippines in the 16th century. The organizers of the Vancouver event — which was in its second year — said that he “represents the soul of native resistance, a powerful force that helped shape the Filipino identity in the face of colonization.”

Eby said the province won't let the tragedy define the celebration. He urged people to channel their rage into helping those affected.

“I don’t think there is a British Columbian that hasn't been touched in some way by the Filipino community," he said. "You can’t go to a place that delivers and not meet a member of that community in the long-term care home or hospitals, childcare or schools. This is a community that gives and gives and yesterday was a celebration of their culture.”

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement expressing sympathy with the victims and their families.

“The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is working with Canadian authorities to ensure that the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and that the victims and their families are supported and consoled,” he said.

Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press journalists Manuel Valdes and Lindsey Wasson in Vancouver and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City, Utah, contributed to this report.

Debris and evidence markers lay on the street while police investigate after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival Saturday evening killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Debris and evidence markers lay on the street while police investigate after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival Saturday evening killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Members of the Vancouver Police forensics team examine a victim's phone while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday killing multiple people at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Members of the Vancouver Police forensics team examine a victim's phone while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday killing multiple people at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the Vancouver Police forensics team picks up a shoe while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday night at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the Vancouver Police forensics team picks up a shoe while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday night at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the public lights a candle near the scene where a vehicle drove into crowd on Saturday at a street festival killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the public lights a candle near the scene where a vehicle drove into crowd on Saturday at a street festival killing multiple people, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two women embrace at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two women embrace at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors pay their respects at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors pay their respects at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two people react at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Two people react at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh walks with Rosita Taruc, front centre, as he arrives to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish, after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed on Saturday at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh walks with Rosita Taruc, front centre, as he arrives to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish, after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed on Saturday at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh talks with Rosita Taruc, right, as NDP candidate for Vancouver Kingsway Don Davies, back centre, listens as they arrive to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed at a Filipino heritage festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh talks with Rosita Taruc, right, as NDP candidate for Vancouver Kingsway Don Davies, back centre, listens as they arrive to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed at a Filipino heritage festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A couple hugs near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People become emotional as they light candles and gather at a growing memorial next to the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People become emotional as they light candles and gather at a growing memorial next to the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People comfort each other near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People comfort each other near the scene the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, right, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friend Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, right, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friend Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, delivers remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, delivers remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, second from right, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, walk with members of the Filipino community to a press conference after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, second from right, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, walk with members of the Filipino community to a press conference after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, deliver remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., Mable Elmore, deliver remarks after a vehicle drove into crowd during a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A handwritten note in a frame is seen at a growing memorial for victims the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A handwritten note in a frame is seen at a growing memorial for victims the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People view a growing memorial near the scene where a driver killed multiple people the previous day during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People view a growing memorial near the scene where a driver killed multiple people the previous day during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A handwritten note is seen near flowers and the flag of the Philippines at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A handwritten note is seen near flowers and the flag of the Philippines at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors stand near a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors stand near a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, views flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, views flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Adonis Quita, center, who witnessed the event, sings during a worship service at the Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Adonis Quita, center, who witnessed the event, sings during a worship service at the Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A young child and his mother leave a teddy bear and flowers, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival, in Vancouver, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A young child and his mother leave a teddy bear and flowers, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival, in Vancouver, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A man leaves flowers on a fence, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival last night, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A man leaves flowers on a fence, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival last night, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A Vancouver Police officer monitors the scene as a memorial of flowers grows the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A Vancouver Police officer monitors the scene as a memorial of flowers grows the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A person pays their respects at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A person pays their respects at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, places flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, places flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, center, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Ronnie Claire, right, and Manjit Claire, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, center, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Ronnie Claire, right, and Manjit Claire, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Police tape and closure signs are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Police tape and closure signs are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, facing, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Esperanza Bermudez, facing, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friends Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers and Vancouver Police vehicles sit at a scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Evidence markers and Vancouver Police vehicles sit at a scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A bouquet of flowers is seen attached to a nearby fence the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Police survey the scene after a driver killed multiple people Saturday during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A victim lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh greets attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh greets attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, center right, dances with attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, center right, dances with attendees during a campaign stop at a Lapu Lapu Day block party, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police examine a black car suspected to be involved at a scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh gives a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh gives a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pauses while giving a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pauses while giving a statement about deaths at a Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival, during a news conference in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S, maker of blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy, said Friday its CEO was stepping down by “mutual agreement” with the company's board of directors, citing “recent market challenges” and a steep decline in the company's share price.

Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen's departure comes a week after the company downgraded its sales and profits forecast, and follows a more than 50% decline in the company's shares since mid-2024. Shares had skyrocketed after the introduction of Wegovy and diabetes medicine Ozempic, which are both based on the same basic ingredient, semaglutide.

At the peak, the company's market capitalization - or the combined price of all its shares - exceeded Denmark's annual gross domestic product and made it Europe's most valuable company, a title it has since lost to software maker SAP.

The company said May 7 that Wegovy sales in the U.S. had been undercut by cheaper replica drugs produced by so-called compounding pharmacies using active ingredients of patented drugs in case of shortage. The Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. drug regulator, has said however that the shortages have eased and the replicas will have to cease in the coming months.

The drugs are part of a wave of obesity medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists that also includes another Novo weight loss drug, Saxenda. They have soared in popularity due to the amount of weight people lose while taking the injections.

On Sunday a study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing people lost more weight using competitor drug Zepbound, made by Eli Lilly of Indianapolis. The study, the first head-to-head comparison of the two, was funded by Lilly. Novo Nordisk's share price is down 54% from its peak in June 2024. Its U.S.-listed shares fell another 3% in morning trading Friday.

The company, headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark, praised a “significant growth journey and transformation” led by Jorgensen during his eight years as CEO. He has been with the company since 1991.

“The changes are, however, made in light of the recent market challenges Novo Nordisk has been facing, and the development of the company’s share price since mid-2024,” the company said in a statement. The board and Jorgensen “have jointly concluded that initiating a CEO succession is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders.”

Jorgensen will continue as CEO “for a period” to support a smooth transition.

—-

AP Health Writer Tom Murphy contributed from Indianapolis.

Boxes for the medications Wegovy and Zepbound are arranged for a photograph in California on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/JoNel Aleccia)

Boxes for the medications Wegovy and Zepbound are arranged for a photograph in California on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/JoNel Aleccia)

FILE - Novo Nordisk headquarters in Bagsvaerd, Denmark, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File)

FILE - Novo Nordisk headquarters in Bagsvaerd, Denmark, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File)

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