World
One Victim Killed in Car-Ramming Attack at Lapu Lapu Festival Identified as Rizza Azzir
Authorities have identified one of the victims killed in the devastating car-ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival as Rizza Azzir.
The suspect, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, remains in custody. Officials have confirmed that, at this time, the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
According to Vancouver Police, the attack resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with dozens more injured.
Patients have been transported to nine different hospitals across the region, and authorities warn that the death toll may continue to rise in the coming days and weeks.
The suspect, whose name has not been officially released in this statement, has a significant criminal history, with over 60 prior police interactions.
The tragic incident unfolded just after 8:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was concluding after drawing up to 100,000 attendees throughout the day.
Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that the driver of a black SUV drove into the crowd, causing mass casualties.
Speaking Sunday morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed the nation’s sorrow, stating that more than 20 individuals were injured.
He described the event as a time meant for joy and community celebration, which was instead marked by horrific violence. “Canadians are heartbroken at what police are describing as a car-ramming attack,” Carney said. He further extended condolences to the families of those killed and injured, later posting on social media that he was “devastated to hear about the horrific events” in Vancouver.
Following the attack, Vancouver Coastal Health declared a “code orange,” signaling a mass casualty event. While initial reports confirmed nine fatalities, updated figures early Sunday morning revised that number to 11.
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival honors the legacy of Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero and Indigenous resistance fighter who opposed Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Saturday marked the second annual celebration of the event in Vancouver, emphasizing the Filipino-Canadian community’s enduring contributions and the spirit of bayanihan — collective community effort.
British Columbia’s Filipino community is the third-largest cultural group in the province, following South Asian and Chinese populations.
Statistics Canada reports that more than 174,000 individuals of Filipino descent live in B.C., comprising approximately 3.5 percent of the province’s total population.
The investigation into the attack remains active, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
World
Counter-Terrorism Police Identify Suspect in Manchester Synagogue Attack as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie
Manchester, UK – Counter-terrorism police have formally identified the man responsible for today’s deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al Shamie was shot and killed by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after he rammed his car into worshippers and began stabbing individuals gathered for Yom Kippur services.
Authorities confirmed that two people were killed and several others injured, including a synagogue security guard. Four victims are being treated for injuries caused by both the vehicle collision and stab wounds.
According to initial reports from the Press Association, al Shamie’s name does not currently appear in existing police or security service counter-terrorism records, and he was not under active investigation prior to the attack. Further database checks are ongoing to determine whether his details appear in any other historical inquiries.
Earlier in the day, GMP stated that the attacker’s identity was known to them but could not be publicly confirmed at the time due to “safety reasons at the scene.” Bomb disposal units had been deployed because of suspicious items found on the suspect’s body, including a possible explosive device.
09:31 BST – GMP received reports of a car ramming into congregants outside the synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, approximately four miles from the city centre.
The attacker exited the vehicle armed with a knife and assaulted multiple victims before being confronted by firearms officers.
Dramatic video footage from bystanders shows police aiming weapons at the suspect, who was on the ground, before he attempted to rise. Officers fired additional shots, fatally wounding him.
In the same footage, another individual can be seen lying near the synagogue gates in a pool of blood, while police shouted warnings about a potential bomb.
The incident has been declared a major terrorist incident. GMP confirmed that the “immediate danger appears to be over,” but the area remains sealed off while forensic officers, counter-terrorism investigators, and explosives experts conduct searches.
Political and community leaders have strongly condemned the attack:
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, described it as “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day – vile and disgusting.”
- Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester it is “believed” the suspect is dead, though formal confirmation is pending, and reassured residents that the immediate threat has been contained.
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, adding: “Especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Counter-terrorism detectives are working to establish al Shamie’s background, potential motives, and whether he had any connections to extremist groups. Officials stressed that at this stage, he is believed to have acted alone.
GMP and national security agencies remain on high alert and have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid the affected area, and report any suspicious activity immediately.