Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the 30-year-old suspect charged in connection with the tragic Lapu-Lapu Day incident in Vancouver, made his first court appearance on Friday, May 2, 2025. The appearance comes after a vehicle-ramming attack at an outdoor Filipino community festival on Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to many more.
Court Appearance and Psychiatric Assessment
Lo appeared via video in a courtroom at Vancouver Provincial Court on Friday afternoon. He was shown on a split screen with his lawyer, Mark Swartz, who also appeared via video from a separate location. Lo was wearing a red T-shirt and matching red bottoms and sat on a light blue bench in a brightly lit room at the jail where he is being held.
Judge Reg Harris ordered a psychiatric assessment to determine if Lo is fit to stand trial. The assessment will be conducted by qualified medical professionals while Lo remains in custody. The next court appearance for Lo is scheduled for May 30th in the same courthouse, adhering to the 30-day time limit for the assessment.
Publication Ban and Courtroom Conduct
Judge Harris imposed a publication ban on any submissions by Swartz or prosecutor Michaela Donnelly, but specifically allowed reporting of the order for a psychiatric assessment. Such bans are common in pretrial hearings to protect the trial process, especially if the accused chooses to be tried by jury and judge.
Before the hearing started, Lo, who apparently could see the people sitting in courtroom 514, was captured on an open mic saying “hello” and “who are all the people”. He also said “what’s 222 Main” and seemed to examine the screen or camera briefly before sitting down again. The “222 Main” he referred to is the address of the courthouse.
Background of the Case
Lo is facing eight counts of second-degree murder. The charges stem from the incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival off Fraser Street, where he allegedly drove through a crowd, killing 11 and injuring dozens. Vancouver Police Sgt. Steve Addison confirmed that Lo had a valid B.C. driver’s license despite his history of mental-health interactions with police. Just the day before the vehicle rampage, Lo contacted Richmond RCMP and told an officer he was worried that someone was throwing things in the back of his vehicle. This call was documented in the police database PRIME, where VPD officers saw it after Lo was arrested. VCH confirmed that Lo was on an extended release from the hospital and in the care of a mental-health team at the time of the murders.
Premier’s Comments and Political Exchange
B.C. Premier David Eby declared Friday, May 2nd, as an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims. Prompted by the tragic attack, Eby also said his government would start a review of the province’s Mental Health Act. In the B.C. Legislature on Thursday, a heated exchange occurred between Eby and Conservative MLA Peter Milobar over Eby’s strong public comments about the suspect. Milobar questioned why Eby and his caucus refuse to talk about other subjects before the courts while being so open and direct about Lo’s case. Eby defended his position as an act of standing up for the victims and “right-minded” British Columbians.
Community Impact and Support
The tragic events have deeply affected the Filipino community in Vancouver and beyond. Vice Consul Marco Frederick B. Harder, from the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, attended the court appearance to update the president in Manila and the victim’s families. A statement from the province says the day of mourning is an opportunity to grieve the lives that were lost and offer support to those who lost loved ones in the horrific tragedy. Security was heavy at the courthouse, and victim services workers were present to assist those attending the appearance.
Lo Moved to Another Jail
Prior to the hearing, it was reported that Lo had been transported to another jail due to multiple death threats. This measure was taken to ensure his safety while in custody.
