Unfortunately several dead and the driver is in custody
A friend lives about five blocks from the festival and could hear nothing but sirens for hours after.
It is so hard to understand this happening anywhere, especially in my own community.
Holy shit! I’m a few km from there. The Filipino community is quite large in Vancouver and I feel universally loved…perhaps other than from the driver of this vehicle but that remains to be determined, Fucking awful.
2 Likes
Accident?
1 Like
BBC is reporting police say it’s not an act of terrorism, which at least suggests it might have been an accident.
On the news this morning they said that the driver was known prior to this to police. But they didn’t say much else.
CNN is saying at least seven dead and scores more injured. I don’t think this was an accident.
I’ll take drunk driver
1 Like
Given the state of the justice system, I wouldn’t be surprised if the driver was released on a promise to appear…
It is quite possible. I think the guy who killed the female police officer a few years ago was known multiple offender.
My top pick is somebody with serious mental illness. Not precluded by previous criminal record. Not precluded by drunkeness
2 Likes
Yeah but if mental illness terrorism is on the table, but police said very confident it wasn’t terrorism
Several articles are quoting VPD as saying the suspect was known to police, but gave no more info. Could possibly have a criminal record or be awaiting another trial etc.
They’re saying he is known to police “in certain circumstances.” No one seems to know what that means but speculation is he had mental health interactions with the police.
Yup, 500 bucks bail, keep the drivers license, not his fault because…the usual BS.
Just listened to the police press conference. Driver has a history of mental illness and has had past run-ins with the police. Death toll is now up to 11. Fucking awful.
Yes, fucking awful. But that is BC. Mental illness? You still have a right to drive. Previous run ins with police? No problem, you have a right to do anything you want. I bet he will be found not criminaly responsible, let go free, because, you know, it is not his fault. Fucking awful it is.
1 Like
New reports saying suspect has had over 50 “interactions” with police.
Reports also said there were no credible threatening effects to guard against.
Well, other than the random mentally ill driving large SUVs into crowds.
At the very least, I think any kind of street festival gathering should have safeguards in place to prevent cars from plowing into folks. Intentional or otherwise.
Washington Square Park, NYC had some senior citizen accidentally drive her car into the park a few years ago. She mistook the gas pedal for the brake. There are now bollards in place permanently to prevent such things.
Every festival here has Jersey barricades or dump trucks blocking access