The suspect in the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival attack has been declared fit for trial and will face 31 new charges of attempted murder, in addition to 11 charges of second-degree murder.
The attempted murder charges were described at a provincial court hearing in Vancouver on Wednesday where a judge ruled Adam Kai-Ji Lo is mentally fit to stand trial over the April 26 attack in which an SUV plowed through a crowded street, killing 11 people and injuring dozens.
Vancouver police later said in a statement that the new charges are all "in relation to the surviving victims of the attack."
Chief Constable Steve Rai said the new charges are "another step toward answers and accountability in one of the most horrific incidents our city has ever faced."
"I have deep gratitude to all of the Vancouver Police personnel who have investigated this mass casualty incident, and I thank the BC Prosecution Service for its diligence during the charge-assessment process," he said.
Lo appeared by video at Wednesday's hearing wearing a dark blue sweatsuit.
The fitness ruling followed a hearing in July. Two forensic psychiatrists were called as expert witnesses as part of that hearing before legal arguments from defence lawyer Mark Swartz and Crown prosecutor Michaela Donnelly.
In his ruling, Judge Reginald P. Harris said he was "satisfied that Mr. Lo is currently fit to stand trial."
"Specifically, he's able to conduct his defence. He knows the nature and the object and consequences of the proceedings. Further, he is able and willing to communicate with his lawyer," Harris said.
The judge also ordered Lo be detained in hospital.
The exact reasons for the fitness ruling cannot be immediately published because of a publication ban.
The ban also prevents the reporting of evidence that was previously presented at the fitness hearing, including the psychiatrists' testimony, although it does not cover the outcome.
A media consortium that includes The Canadian Press is challenging the publication ban, but Harris told provincial court in Vancouver that a ruling on that application has been delayed until Thursday afternoon.
Kristina Corpin-Moser, the executive director of advocacy group Filipino BC, told reporters outside the provincial courthouse that the community was relieved to hear Lo was deemed fit for trial, but noted it may also bring a sense of anxiety as it marks "the beginning of a long process."
"I think most people in the community — many people in the community — want to see this go to trial and so I think that is why this brings relief to the community in terms of getting a fit-to-stand-trial ruling today," she said.
A statement from the Ministry of Attorney General said the government could not comment on the matter as it is before the courts.
But, it said "we hope the legal process will bring forward the answers so many are seeking."
"Our hearts are with the victims, and everyone affected by this unimaginable violence," the statement said.
The attack that Mayor Ken Sim called "the darkest day in the history of Vancouver" sparked a safety review of public events in the city.
The resulting report, which was released last week, said planning for the Lapu Lapu Day festival followed the required protocols, including an assessment that determined the risk was low for a major public safety incident.
Sim said in a statement Wednesday that he is "happy to see that this matter is going to come before the courts."
"It is good to know that the victims, their families and the surrounding community will have the chance to receive justice for the tragic act of violence on April 26," the statement said.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
