Stabbing at Vancouver Chinatown festival leaves 3 with non-life-threatening injuries

The Vancouver Police Department is investigating a triple stabbing at the Light Up Chinatown festival Sunday night.

Three festival-goers were attacked by a stranger just before 6 p.m. near the festival stage at Columbia Street and Keefer Street, police say.

Nearby officers responded quickly and a 60-year-old man was taken into custody nearby. The VPD says he’s currently being held in jail.

The injuries sustained are non-life-threatening and police say the motive for the attack is currently unknown.

In a statement released Sunday evening, Mayor Ken Sim said every person in Vancouver deserves to feel safe.

“To see individuals physically harmed by such senseless violence is heartbreaking,” he said. “Our city stands shoulder to shoulder with Light up Chinatown!, our Chinese community and all those who participated today. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this act of violence.”

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Chair Carol Lee said in the same statement that the foundation is “heartbroken and devastated.”

“On behalf of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, as well as the organizing committee and the community, our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” Lee said. “The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, and in line with this, we are working closely with the City of Vancouver while the Vancouver Police Department conducts its investigation.”