Jagmeet Singh Horrified by Lapu-Lapu Car Ramming

Car Ramming at Vancouver Festival Leaves Several Dead, Injured; Jagmeet Singh Expresses Horror

By Archyde News Service

April 27, 2025

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A vehicle plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on Saturday, killing and injuring several people. The incident occurred just two days before Canada’s federal elections. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), who had greeted festival-goers earlier in the day, expressed his shock and grief.

“I am horrified to learn of an incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations that injured and killed innocent people,” Singh said. “As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience.”

Vancouver Police Department confirmed the tragedy via X, formerly Twitter, stating, “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured. The driver is in custody.”

In a subsequent statement, the Vancouver Police Department added, “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E.41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight.”

Festival Celebrating Filipino heritage Marred by Violence

The Lapu Lapu festival is a significant festivity within the Canadian Filipino community, honoring Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero.According to event director Joe Tuliao, “Lapu Lapu is our first Indigenous hero in the Philippines who won the Battle of Mactan against [Portuguese explorer Ferdinand] Magellan, pushing Spanish colonization. So we take this day very seriously to celebrate our culture, but most importantly, our resilience and perseverance.”

Did you know? The Filipino population in the United States is one of the largest Asian American groups, with significant communities in California, Hawaii, and New York. Festivals celebrating Filipino culture are common in these areas.

political Reaction and Community Response

The incident has triggered widespread grief and concern. Singh’s NDP colleague and MP Don Davies also commented on the tragedy, tweeting about the ‘horrendous attack’ and adding that he is ‘praying for all the victims and their families.’

Eyewitness accounts shared on social media painted a picture of chaos and devastation. One X user posted, “So many police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances came through. scary stuff.”

Rising Concerns About Vehicle Ramming Attacks

The Vancouver incident underscores a growing concern about vehicle ramming attacks, both intentional acts of violence and accidents resulting in mass casualties. While details about the driver’s motives in Vancouver remain unclear, similar incidents in the U.S. and worldwide have prompted increased security measures at public events.

In the United States, the Department of Homeland security (DHS) offers resources and training programs to help communities prevent and respond to vehicle ramming attacks. These programs emphasize situational awareness, perimeter security, and rapid response protocols.

Year	Location	Description
2017	Charlottesville, VA	Vehicle deliberately driven into counter-protesters during a white supremacist rally.
2021	Waukesha, WI	SUV driven into a Christmas parade, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
2024	Jacksonville, FL	car crashed into crowded outdoor bar, injuring patrons.

Examples of vehicle-ramming incidents in the U.S.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that pedestrian fatalities continue to be a significant concern in the U.S. In 2023, nearly 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes, highlighting the vulnerability of pedestrians in public spaces.

Examining Security Measures at Public Events

Following incidents like the one in Vancouver, event organizers and security professionals are re-evaluating safety protocols. Common measures include:

• Perimeter Security: Using barriers (concrete, metal) to prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian areas.
• Traffic management: Rerouting traffic away from event zones.
• Increased Law Enforcement Presence: Deploying officers to monitor crowds and respond to emergencies.
• Video Surveillance: Utilizing cameras to identify potential threats.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating attendees about safety procedures and reporting suspicious activity.

Pro tip: When attending public events, be aware of yoru surroundings. Identify emergency exits and report any suspicious behavior to event staff or law enforcement.

Counterargument: Balancing Security with Open Access

While enhanced security measures are crucial, some argue that excessive precautions can create a sense of fear and negatively impact the atmosphere of public events. finding the right balance between security and openness is a challenge that requires careful consideration of the specific event, location, and potential threats.

experts suggest a layered approach to security, combining visible measures (e.g., barriers, police presence) with less noticeable strategies (e.g., video surveillance, plainclothes officers) to deter potential attackers without creating an overly restrictive surroundings.

Ongoing Investigation

As of this report, no details about the suspect in the Vancouver car ramming has been released. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.

FAQ: Vehicle Ramming Attacks and Public Safety

What is a vehicle ramming attack?

A vehicle ramming attack is an incident where a vehicle is intentionally driven into a crowd of people or a building, often with the intent to cause harm or death. These attacks can be acts of terrorism or the result of other motives.

What can be done to prevent vehicle ramming attacks?

Preventative measures include enhanced perimeter security at public events (e.g., barriers, bollards), increased law enforcement presence, traffic management strategies, and public awareness campaigns to encourage reporting of suspicious activity.

What should I do if I witness a vehicle ramming attack?

If you witness a vehicle ramming attack, instantly move away from the vehicle and the area of impact. Seek cover behind solid objects. Alert others and call emergency services (911) as soon as it is safe to do so. Provide a clear description of the event and your location.

where can I find more information about safety at public events?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer resources and training programs related to public safety and security at public events. Local law enforcement agencies can also provide guidance and support.

Given the event security discussion around vehicle ramming attacks,what are some *new* security strategies or technologies that event organizers should consider adopting in addition to perimeter security and increased law enforcement presence?

Archyde Interview: Expert Analysis of Vancouver Car Ramming and Public Event Security

Interview Introduction

Welcome to Archyde News. Today, we’re discussing the tragic car ramming incident at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.To provide clarity on the security implications and preventative measures, we have Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in public safety and event security, with us.Dr. Reed, welcome to Archyde.

Understanding the vancouver Tragedy

Archyde: dr. Reed, the incident in Vancouver is devastating.From a security perspective, what initial observations or assessments can be made, given the limited information available?

Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me. This is a terrible tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. Initially, we see the need for a thorough examination into the driver’s motives. Though, the fact that a vehicle was used to target a crowd highlights a critical vulnerability frequently enough faced at public events. It underscores the need for constant vigilance and robust security protocols. We need to determine if this was intentional or, as authorities investigate, an accident.

Security measures and Event Planning

Archyde: The article mentions several preventative measures, such as perimeter security, traffic management, and increased law enforcement. Are there particular strategies that are more effective than others in preventing vehicle ramming attacks?

Dr. Reed: It’s a layered approach, like an onion. No single measure is foolproof. Perimeter security, using barriers like bollards or concrete planters, is crucial to physically prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian zones. However, those are best combined with a visible police presence to provide immediate response, if things go wrong. Then add smart surveillance, traffic control to slow traffic, and make the security of the event less of a target for a vehicle ramming. A smart approach is key.

Balancing security and Community Enjoyment

Archyde: The article also touches on the balance between security and an open, welcoming atmosphere. how do we strike that balance, making events safe without making them feel like fortresses?

Dr. Reed: That’s the core challenge. it comes down to creating a layered security program that mixes visible and less obvious measures. Strong perimeter security can be complemented by less intrusive strategies such as bag checks and using a very well trained security staff,who can watch for suspicious activity,to keep the event more open.. In essence, combining deterring potential attackers who don’t want to be caught, without changing the event into one that is unfriendly.

Preparing for a Vehicle Ramming Attack

Archyde: What advice can you give to event attendees in this situation?

Dr. Reed: Above all, if anything should happen, run away from the impact. Also,become familiar with the area,noting emergency exits. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Even if it seems trivial, better safe than sorry.

Community resilience and Moving Forward

Archyde: The Lapu Lapu festival is a party of community and resilience. What is the best way for the Filipino community and Vancouver as a whole, to move forward after a tragedy like this?

Dr.Reed: The best way to move forward is to come together, support each other, and honor the victims.It also means working with law enforcement and local authorities to ensure event security is robust and that the community is safe. Then, the community is able to heal and show its very own resilience.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Archyde: Dr. Reed, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. What key takeaways would you like our readers to have?

Dr. Reed: The key takeaways are to be vigilant, to prioritize safety at public events, and to build a community that supports and looks out for each other. This is not over, its an on-going process to deter future attacks.

Archyde: Thank you, Dr.Reed. For our readers: what other security measures do you think event organizers should consider? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.