Judge rules Lapu-Lapu Day attack suspect fit for murder trial; 31 attempted murder charges added

A B.C. judge ruled Wednesday that the suspect in Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack that killed 11 people is fit to stand trial.

Kai-Ji Adam Lo is accused of driving an SUV through the crowds attending a Filipino street festival on April 26 and faces 11 counts of second-degree murder.

Around 11 a.m., CityNews learned Lo has been deemed mentally fit to face his charges in court.

In an update shortly after, the Vancouver Police Department shared that Lo is now facing 31 additional counts of attempted murder in relation to the surviving victims.

“This is another step toward answers and accountability in one of the most horrific incidents our city has ever faced, and I extend my deepest condolences to everyone impacted by the Lapu Lapu Festival attack,” said VPD Chief Const. Steve Rai.

I have deep gratitude to all of the Vancouver Police personnel who have investigated this mass casualty incident, and I thank the BC Prosecution Service for its diligence during the charge-assessment process.”

Vancouver-based community organization Filipino BC says it is relieved to hear the decision.

“I think most people in the community — many people in the community want to see this go to trial,” Filipino BC Executive Director Kristina Corpin-Moser told the media after the hearing.

She says the organization is in contact with several of the victim families, and the community is anxious for answers.

“We understand that this process just takes time, and it’s likely that the pace will never be the pace that families and victims want.”

Corpin-Moser declined to comment on the additional charges announced Wednesday.

A publication ban has prevented evidence at the fitness hearing from being reported, although it did not cover the outcome.

A media consortium is challenging the publication ban, and Judge Reginald P. Harris is also expected to rule on that application on Wednesday.

A decision on the continuation of the ban has been tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday.

The attack that Mayor Ken Sim called “the darkest day in the history of Vancouver” sparked a safety review of public events in the city.

The resulting report, which was released last week, said planning for the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in East Vancouver followed the required protocols, including an assessment that determined the risk was low for a major public safety incident.

Lo will be detained in the hospital until his trial.