Update: 11 dead over 20 injured in Filipino heritage festival Vancouver car ramming attack

[jeff of pa]

Vancouver police say a car ramming attack at a Filipino heritage festival killed 11 people and injured more than 20 others, updating an earlier death toll of nine. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, saying the suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man who was arrested at the scene, has a history of mental health issues. “We have had substantial contact with him over mental health concerns,” Interim Police Chief Steve Rai said at a news conference. Police said the man was initially detained by bystanders before officers took him into custody. They believe he acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the public.The attack occurred around 8:14 p.m. Saturday during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration honoring a Filipino national hero. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the SUV barreled into the crowded street, striking festivalgoers with such force that bodies were thrown into the air. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled a campaign event Sunday and offered condolences to the victims’ families, the injured, and the Filipino Canadian community. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the deadly incident.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[GirlWithWolf]

That’s sad. 😢

 

[jeff of pa]

I'd want to Know How a Mentally Challeged Person they were aware of was allowed to Roam Free, , Not only that ..
Did he have Drivers License ?

 

[BennyV]

I'd want to Know How a Mentally Challeged Person they were aware of was allowed to Roam Free, , Not only that ..
Did he have Drivers License ?

I’d tell you why but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings on here so I’ll keep it to myself.

 

[Gold:Au]

Having a mental illness is not a crime though.

They (rightly) do not go into details of his illness, but the older i get, the more I realise just how pervasive mental illness is in modern society and how it is becoming more apparent as our social support networks and health resources to treat these issues dwindle.

I am fortunate to live in a country where anyone could get a half dozen free sessions with a shrink without much difficulty if needed, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme makes the required medications affordable to those who need them and the system, by and large, works.

While having a mental illness is not a crime, we have different rules when it comes to crimes committed by those with mental illnesses. Put someone in hospital while having an episode? Instead of 6-12 months in the clink, you are kept in with the crazies until you are deemed no longer a danger to others or yourself. That could be 3-5 years, it could be the rest of your life.
Pro tip: Don't try to plead insanity in Australia.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Holding judgement untill more info is released on the perpetrator.

Been to several Filipino festivals, lot of food, lot of fun...

 

[potsherd_creek]

People go to a festival to have relaxing fun with friends and family, food celebration and suddenly a speeding vehicle comes through the crowd. I can not begin to imagine what that was like. This is happening more frequent, in the States and abroad. Who thinks before a public gathering that we need to be on the watch out for a speeding vehicle plowing through?
I don't, but damn, this certainly makes you think.
Prayers for the families who lost love ones and those in hospitals 🕊️

 

[pepperj]

Some reports that he has now charged with 8 murders.
He has had many run ins with police over his mental illness.
Our failure in the Healthcare system is also to blame.
The other is too political, can't comment.

 

[jeff of pa]

They need to make concrete Jersey Barriers mandatory at all Street Events.

Would at least Cut down on these type attacks.
Whether intended or accidental

 

[DizzyDigger]

Side story: Back about 1985 there was a restaurant in Valencia Ca. called "Tipps", and the bartender there was a fellow named Bobby Batugo. He was Filipino.

He invented a drink called the "Lapu Lapu" that blended several different kinds of rum along with various fruit juices. House limit was two (2), which I had once...had to call a neighbor to come help me find my truck, which we then found parked right next to the front door.

*****************

Sad situation in Vancouver. Nobody in their right mind would even consider driving a vehicle into a crowd of people. Mental, maybe, but if he knew right from wrong then he should be prosecuted to the full extent. JMHO.

 

[jeff of pa]

yes but what happens when he is declared not in his right mind ?
6 Months under Hospital Care & Meds,
Then Released & forgets he is on Meds