Manitoba responds to tragic event in Vancouver, ‘We are mourning with you’

Vancouver Police secure the scene where a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

Local reaction is pouring in following the tragic incident in Vancouver Saturday night that has killed 11 people.

Vancouver police said a man drove an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino community street festival around 8:15 p.m.

Police said the suspect was known to police, but a motive hasn’t been shared. The driver hasn’t been charged but remains in custody.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew shared his condolences online Sunday, saying he was “deeply saddened” to hear what happened.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community in B.C. and across Canada. We are mourning with you and stand with you,” Kinew said in a post on X.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham called the incident appalling.

“I’ve reached out to Mayor (Ken) Sim and Councillor (Rebecca) Bligh offering deepest condolences from our city council and the people of Winnipeg to all who have lost loved ones. There are many ties between the Filipino communities in B.C. and Manitoba,” Gillingham said on X.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee offered prayers and support to all who were impacted.

“Our hearts are heavy. We share in your grief. The loss of innocent lives wounds not just one family or one community, it touches all of us as human beings,” Settee said in a news release.

Settee also thanked the first responders for helping everyone in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“MKO joins with the Filipino community in sorrow and solidarity. You are not alone. We lift you up in prayer.”

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson also offered prayers to the families and community in Vancouver.

“We are devastated to hear of this heartbreaking tragedy. There is no excuse, no justification, for violence that tears apart families and communities,” said Wilson in a news release. “We condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms. Every life is sacred, and no individual or community should have to endure such pain.”