Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane shared a heartfelt condolence message on X (formerly Twitter) for the victims of the tragic car attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday, April 26. Nine people were reported killed and 20 others injured after a black SUV drove into a crowd at the Filipino-Canadian community event.
Evander Kane Expresses Solidarity and Support for Filipino Community in Canada
In his message, Kane said he was “heartbroken by the beyond devastating tragedy” and expressed support for the Sunset community, where the attack took place.
I am heartbroken by the beyond devastating tragedy that took place at the Lapu Lapu Festival in the Sunset community of Vancouver last evening. Sunset community is where I grew up, the Filipino community are some of the kindest people. My most sincere condolences to the victims…
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) April 27, 2025
Kane has taken an active role in community outreach this season. After undergoing multiple surgeries in September that sidelined him for the entire regular season, the NHL veteran focused on his family and charitable efforts.
For Christmas 2024, Kane organized a special gift drive for 200 children in the Edmonton area.
“Yeah, it’s something that I actually started two years ago,” Kane told Sportskeeda. “This is our third annual shop. I came up with the idea when I was injured — I had my wrist cut open and was out for a lengthy period. I wanted to find a meaningful way to impact kids in the Edmonton community, obviously around the Christmas and holiday season.”
Canada PM, Celebrities Condemn Lapu Lapu Festival Attack
The attack occurred as the festival was winding down on Saturday evening after drawing an estimated 100,000 people throughout the day. Political leaders and celebrities quickly condemned the act. Vancouver Interim Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was taken into custody.
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney called the nation “heartbroken” by what “police are describing as a car-ramming attack” during “an occasion to gather and to celebrate the vibrancy of the Filipino-Canadian community.” His office released an official statement on Sunday morning.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver,” Carney’s office posted on social media. “We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action.”
The attack at the Lapu Lapu festival has left our country shocked, devastated, and heartbroken.
To those grieving, to those who were injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver: Canada is mourning with you, and we are united behind you. pic.twitter.com/GQnubDjQma
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 27, 2025
The tragedy comes at a sensitive time, with Canada scheduled to hold federal elections on April 28 to elect the next Parliament and Prime Minister. Following the attack, the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, and New Democratic Party all cancelled campaign events originally planned for Sunday as the nation mourns the victims of the mass-casualty attack.