Vancouver archbishop calls for prayer after deadly attack claims 11 lives at Filipino festival
Archbishop J.Michael Miller, CSB. / Credit: Briancontractor/Wikimeda (CC BY-SA 3.0) CNA Newsroom, Apr 27, 2025 / 21:48 pm (CNA).
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, is calling for prayer after a deadly car-ramming attack claimed at least 11 lives during a Filipino heritage celebration in the Canadian city.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events that took place yesterday during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver,” Miller said in his April 27 statement. “What should have been a joyful gathering to honor Filipino heritage has been overshadowed by sorrow and shock.”
A man drove an SUV into crowds attending the Filipino community’s Lapu-Lapu Day block party in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 20 others.
Vancouver police said they arrested a 30-year-old suspect at the scene after the incident, which occurred at around 8:14 p.m. local time.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai told journalists the attack is not believed to be terrorism-related, noting the unnamed suspect was known to “police and health care professionals related to mental health.”
The street festival celebrated Datu Lapu-Lapu, a national hero of the the Philippines.
“The Filipino community is a vibrant and faith-filled part of our archdiocese,” Miller said. “In moments like this, your spirit of hope, resilience, and deep trust in God’s providence shines even amid darkness.”
The archbishop encouraged prayer for those affected by the violence.
“I encourage all of us to come together in prayer, asking the Lord to pour out his mercy upon those affected and to grant strength to all who are carrying heavy hearts,” he said. “May our Blessed Mother intercede for us, bringing comfort and healing to Vancouver.”
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed solidarity on X with the victims’ families on April 27, saying: “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter. Those families are now living every family’s nightmare. I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you.”
