‘A most agonizing time’: The world responds to Vancouver’s deadly vehicle attack

News of a deadly vehicle attack in Vancouver has drawn dismay and sorrow among leaders and other prominent figures across Canada and the world.

Many are sharing condolences with victims and families after police say a driver rammed into a crowd at a Filipino community festival on Saturday, killing 11 and injuring more than two dozen.

Here’s a look at what leaders and prominent figures are saying:

“I am heartbroken by the beyond devastating tragedy that took place at the Lapu Lapu Festival in the Sunset community of Vancouver last evening. Sunset community is where I grew up, the Filipino community are some of the kindest people. My most sincere condolences to the victims and their families. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this disgusting act, what a tragedy.” – Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane.

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“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and to everyone impacted by the tragic events at Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day festival. This horrific act of violence has left us all in shock.

“Our thoughts are with the Filipino community in Vancouver and across Canada during this incredibly difficult time.” — Ontario Premier Doug Ford on X.

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“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and to the Philippine community in Vancouver as you grieve this unimaginable loss.”

“There are no words that can truly capture the pain caused by such a senseless and tragic act. We condemn, in the strongest terms, the violence that has taken innocent lives and shattered families. There is absolutely nothing — no reason, no excuse — that can ever justify such actions by any individual.” — Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak in a statement.

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“We don’t know all the answers yet. We don’t even we don’t know why, but I want to turn the rage that I feel into ensuring that we stand with the Filipino community, that we deliver what they need, that we stand with those families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, that we are not defined by this.”

“Obviously this person is profoundly ill, but there are so many questions I have, there are so many questions that British Columbians have about how that could take place, how we could get to that moment, and as we learn those answers, we’ll take the action that’s necessary to ensure that it can’t happen again.” — British Columbia Premier David Eby at news conference in Vancouver.

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“I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

“On behalf of the Philippine government and the Filipino people, Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada … We are one with the families of the victims and the Filipino community in Vancouver during this difficult time.” — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Facebook.

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“Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack an utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.” — King Charles on X.

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“Following the tragedy in Vancouver, I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.” — French President Emmanuel Macron on X

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“On this sad day, Ukrainians deeply share the pain of Canadians, Vancouver residents, and the Canadian Filipino community. Our condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

“Stay strong, our friends in Canada and the Philippines.” — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X.

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“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.” — Prime Minister Mark Carney on X.

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“I am shocked by the horrific news emerging from Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Festival tonight.

“My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack.” — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on X.

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“I am horrified to learn of an incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations that injured and killed innocent people.

“As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families — and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience.” — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, on X.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2025.

The Canadian Press