How people witnessed the ‘darkest day in Vancouver’ when a car slammed into a crowded festival

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The smells of crispy lumpia, caramelized plantains and other Filipino street foods beckoned attendees of a Vancouver festival as they flooded out of a concert on an unusually sunny spring day in the Canadian city.

As the sun set, lines for food trucks began to wrap around the block. A slow trickle of cars entered the closed street to replenish vendor supplies. Then, one driver hit the accelerator, killing 11 people and injuring dozens at the Lapu Lapu Day festival Saturday night.

Friends, family and coworkers began to publicly identify some of the victims Monday. The youngest was 5-year-old Katie Le, who died along with her father, Richard Le, and mother, Linh Hoang, according to Richard’s brother, Toan Le. The family left behind a 16-year-old son, Andy Le, who stayed home to finish his homework. His uncle said the teen is overwhelmed with grief and is being supported by extended family.

Here is how people witnessed the tragedy.

Clothing vendor Kris Pangilinan recalled hearing what sounded "like an F1 car about to start a race,” followed immediately by screams. He said he will never forget the sound of bodies hitting the hood of the black Audi SUV as it rammed into the crowd.

“All I can remember is seeing bodies flying up in the air higher than the food trucks themselves and landing on the ground and people yelling and screaming,” Pangilinan said.

Adonis Quita pulled his 9-year-old son out of the way as the SUV plowed into the line of families waiting for their food.

For the young boy, who had just relocated to Vancouver from the Philippines, the festival celebrating British Columbia's large Filipino population was his first taste of his old home since moving. But now, his father said the boy cannot close his eyes without seeing flashbacks.

A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene after initially being apprehended by bystanders. The British Columbia Prosecution Service charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second degree murder on Sunday and said more charges were possible.

Investigators ruled out terrorism in what Interim Police Chief Steve Rai proclaimed “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history.” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the suspect has a “significant history of mental health issues.”

As Quita rushed his son away from the commotion, he said he was comforted to see festivalgoers surround the SUV and subdue the suspect. Video circulating on social media shows a man in a black hoodie with his back against a chain-link fence, surrounded by bystanders screaming and swearing at him.

“I’m sorry,” the man responds, holding his hand to his head.

A woman who answered the phone Monday at the home of Lo’s mother, Lisa Lo, said the mother was too distraught to speak to a reporter.

The victims range in age from 5 to 65, Rai said. Bodies covered in white tarps lined the row of food trucks as ambulances rushed injured people to the hospital.

"Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said. The car ramming occurred two days before the country’s federal election Monday.

Carayn Nulada was in Vancouver General Hospital’s emergency room early Sunday morning trying to find news about her brother, who was run down in the attack and suffered multiple broken bones. Doctors identified him by presenting the family with his wedding ring in a pill bottle. He was stable but needed surgeries.

Nulada said she pulled her granddaughter and grandson off the street as the SUV barreled by. Her daughter, meanwhile, was struck in the arm and fell down but was able to get up quickly.

Of the 32 people injured, seven remained in critical condition Monday afternoon, police said.

Emily Daniels, 41, came to lay a bouquet at a vigil Sunday evening that drew hundreds of people. She saw a man who was injured in the attack when she was visiting her uncle at the hospital Sunday morning. The man was being rolled into the intensive care unit and still had blood on his arms, she said.

Others who attended the festival are struggling to process the trauma.

Mohamad Sariman had been helping at his wife’s food truck when he heard a loud boom that he initially thought was an explosion. He looked out the truck's window and saw a disfigured body on the ground. When he and his wife opened the door, they saw another body.

“It was really, really traumatic,” Sariman said.

Vincent Reynon, 17, was leaving the festival with his girlfriend after 8 p.m. when he saw fire trucks and police officers. They decided to circle back to see what was going on. He said they saw people crying as they approached, then bodies on the ground when they arrived at the scene.

“It was horrible to see," Reynon said. “It was like something straight out of a horror movie or a nightmare.”

Lorena Sales, 17, similarly ran back to the festival from the bus stop when she saw ambulances rushing to the scene. She and her friends arrived to find a sea of bodies in the street. The image of one woman struck in the collision is burned into Sales' memory, she said.

Vancouver's Filipino community had been celebrating Lapu Lapu Day, which honors the Indigenous chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu, who stood up to Spanish explorers when they arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century. Organizers of the Vancouver event said he “represents the soul of Native resistance."

Community members gathered at Vancouver's Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church on Sunday to mourn those who died in the attack and pray for the injured. Hundreds laid bouquets and lit candles at a vigil later Sunday. Vancouver's City Hall was illuminated red, blue and yellow — the colors of the Philippine national flag — in solidarity with the community.

“It hurts, it really hurts to see that someone could do this to a community of mine that's known to be so kind and caring,” Sales said through tears.

Nathaly Nairn and her 15-year-old daughter brought flowers to the vigil after attending the festival the night before. She said police had to escort them through the crime scene so they could get back to their car, and that they were shocked by what they saw: a dented and bloodied SUV, and bodies on the ground.

“Now we’re just here supporting our community, trying to help my daughter process what we saw yesterday, trying to be there for the Filipino community that has been there for us so much," Nairn said as she wiped away tears.

Schoenbaum reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney takes a moment after lighting a candle at a memorial for victims after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

A Philippines flag waves in the wind at a memorial site for the victims of an incident where a car drove through a crowd killing multiple people in Vancouver, British Columbia, Monday, April 28, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Mourners leaves flowers at a memorial site for the victims of an incident where a car drove through a crowd killing multiple people in Vancouver, British Columbia, Monday, April 28, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Evidence markers are seen the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A woman places flowers at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors pay their respects at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community who says friends had attended earlier in the day, views flowers at a growing memorial near a site the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

People visit a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh talks with Rosita Taruc, right, as NDP candidate for Vancouver Kingsway Don Davies, back centre, listens as they arrive to attend mass at St. Mary's Parish after multiple people that were stuck by a car were killed at a Filipino heritage festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Rowena Cerdena sings during a worship service at the Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church in Vancouver, Canada, Sunday, April 27, 2025, the day after a driver killed multiple people at a Filipino community festival. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Women console each other after leaving flowers near the site where a vehicle drove into crowd at a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A young child and his mother leave a teddy bear and flowers, near the location where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival, in Vancouver, Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Members of the Vancouver Police forensics team examine a victim's phone while investigating the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd Saturday killing multiple people at a street festival, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Esperanza Bermudez, right, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friend Manjit Claire, left, the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Visitors pay their respects at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A victim lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

A victim covered with a cloth lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Liza Ahyeng, center right, hugs another attendee at a vigil for victims after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

From left, Glenda Ahyeng, sister Liza Ahyeng and Shane Ahyeng hold cell phone lights during a vigil for victims after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Liza Ahyeng wipes away tears at a memorial for victims after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A person lights a candle at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Adonis Quita, center, who witnessed the event, sings during a worship service at the Filipino Fellowship Baptist Church the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A young child and man listen from outside St. Mary's Parish during afternoon mass that was at capacity, after multiple people that were stuck by a car on Saturday night were killed at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Debris lay on 43rd Avenue in Vancouver, where a vehicle drove into crowd at a street festival the night before, on Sunday April 27, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Two people react at a memorial after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eddie Murphy took a moment to look out at the star-studded room at the American Film Institute ceremony — at his family, his peers, the people who have shared his journey — and let it all sink in.

“Seeing all of my family, all my kids, my beautiful wife, and seeing all the different people I worked with, I’m just really filled up,” said Murphy, who received the life achievement award at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday night. “This is a special moment. I wish y’all could feel what I’m feeling, see what I’m seeing. I almost teared up. I’m going to get backstage and cry.”

Just before accepting the award, Murphy was met with a standing ovation, stepping onstage and moving through the ballroom as the applause followed. Along the way, he passed Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall and Judge Reinhold.

The tribute, which also featured appearances from Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Kenan Thompson, will premiere as a special on Netflix on May 31.

Murphy, 64, has moved from a teenage stand-up sensation to a breakout force on “Saturday Night Live” to a box office mainstay with films like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America,” “The Nutty Professor” and the “Shrek” franchise.

Large images from those defining moments filled the venue, tracing a career that has crossed stand-up, television and film.

“Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,” said Lee, who presented the award to Murphy. “I took a camera and told stories on how our nation could be better. … We both pushed culture forward. ... Every step of this journey, Eddie has been true to himself.”

Comedians pointed to Murphy’s influence across generations.

“There is no us without you,” Rock said.

Lawrence, who starred in the film “Life” with Murphy, shared a personal moment from early in his career, recalling how Murphy once declined his request for a photo. But now, that shouldn't be a problem since their children married each other in 2025.

“Now I can get all the pictures I want,” Lawrence said with a smile. “Because we're in-laws.”

Arsenio Hall, Murphy’s longtime collaborator on “Coming to America,” spoke about Murphy advocating for him in the film and highlighted the depth of his talent.

“When Eddie does a family film, he plays a whole damn family,” Hall said.

Chappelle reflected on studying Murphy’s stand-up as a teenager watching “Raw.” He described Murphy as one of the defining figures in the industry and shared a recent visit to his home, where seeing Murphy’s grandchildren playing offered a deeper perspective on his life.

“I would watch him every day after school like I was taking a class,” said Chappelle, who also spoke on an interview where he considered revisiting “Chappelle's Show,” a project he once stepped away from, calling it one of the most meaningful experiences of his career.

Chappelle said Murphy encouraged him to revisit the idea, and even joked about joining the project if it comes to fruition.

“You are still the hero I want to be,” he said.

Stevie Wonder described Murphy’s impact as something that extends beyond comedy. He showed his deep admiration for the comedian-actor.

“Laughter can make life livable,” Wonder said. “Eddie is more than a comedian … he is a universal reminder.”

Mike Myers, who co-starred in the “Shrek” films with Murphy, credited him with helping define one of animation’s most beloved characters, calling his character portrayal of Donkey a “masterpiece.”

Jennifer Hudson delivered a musical tribute with performances from “Dreamgirls,” backed by a house band led by Rickey Minor.

The gala, which raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI’s nonprofit education programs, also included the presentation of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who spoke about finding her voice through the institute.

Murphy’s career has spanned nearly 50 years, from stand-up stages to blockbuster films, with a versatility that has kept him relevant across generations. In 2023, he received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes and has spoken about embracing a deeper appreciation for his journey.

“Thank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and ever and ever,” Murphy said. “I love you.”

Dave Chappelle speaks during the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Eddie Murphy on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Mike Myers speaks during the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Eddie Murphy on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jennifer Hudson performs during the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Eddie Murphy on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Eddie Murphy accepts the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award during a tribute to him on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)