B.C. government gets report looking into safety at events after Lapu Lapu attack

By Canadian Press on June 30, 2025.

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s attorney general says the government has received a report from a retired judge on ways to improve safety and security at events after 11 people were killed and many more injured at a Vancouver festival.

Premier David Eby commissioned the inquiry into safety at community events shortly after a vehicle tore through a crowd at the end of the Lapu Lapu Day celebration on April 26.

Attorney General Niki Sharma says she has the report from former B.C. Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Hinkson, which after review by cabinet will be made public.

Sharma says in a statement that B.C. experienced one of the worst moments in its history when a senseless act of violence turned a celebration into tragedy.

She says B.C. residents understandably raised questions in the aftermath about enhancing public safety so people can feel safe attending and celebrating community events this summer.

The man accused in the attack, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, remains in custody while facing numerous charges of second-degree murder, and Vancouver police said last week that six victims were still in hospital.

Sharma says the commission was established to provide practical information and recommendations to event organizers, local governments and public safety officials on how to keep events safe.

“I thank Commissioner Hinkson for the work he and his team have done over the past six weeks to enhance and protect our right to gather and celebrate safely and ensure that fear does not prevent communities from coming together,” Sharma said in her statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press