Suspect in bloody Downtown Vancouver attacks in court to face murder, assault charges

The accused in two brutal attacks in Downtown Vancouver earlier this month appeared virtually in court Wednesday morning, facing murder and assault charges.

The 34-year-old White Rock Man made an appearance at Vancouver Provincial Court during its 9:30 a.m. session.

Brendan McBride has been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in relation to two attacks just minutes apart on the morning of Sept. 4 that left sidewalks bloody along Hamilton Street and near the Queen Elizabeth Theatre just off West Georgia Street.

One victim, a 56-year-old man, had his hand severed. The other victim, a 70-year-old man, was killed.

The attacks and subsequent police response caused shock and chaos in the business district as people were preparing for the workday.

Vancouver Police Department officers made an arrest a short time later near Olympic Village.

According to police, McBride has a long history of mental health-related incidents and interactions with officers.

At the time of the attacks, he was on probation after a conviction for an assault in White Rock in September 2023.

While there have long been concerns and calls for action to improve public safety downtown, these latest attacks have become a lightning rod for groups putting pressure on government for changes.

On Monday, a coalition of regional mayors and public safety leaders made a plea to the federal government for further bail reform, a crackdown on the drug supply coming through Metro Vancouver’s ports, and to help facilitate plans for expanded involuntary care for severe mental health and addiction cases.

Court was adjourned Wednesday, with McBride set to reappear on Oct. 4.