National

Three people injured, suspect in custody following stabbings in Vancouver's Chinatown

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Sep, 2023 10:05 AM

One man is in police custody after three people were stabbed at Vancouver's Light Up Chinatown! festival.

Vancouver police say the attack took place just before 6 p.m. Sunday, near the festival stage at Columbia and Keefer Streets.

Officers who were in the area responded immediately, and assisted the victims.

A 60-year-old man was taken into custody a short time later.

Police say the three victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Premier David Eby expressed great concern and horror over the stabbings.

It is disturbing to hear about the senseless act of violence in Vancouver’s Chinatown yesterday that has left three people in the hospital. Everyone deserves to be safe to enjoy these important celebrations. My thoughts are with those injured and their families.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) September 11, 2023

A statement from Vancouver Mayor Mayor Ken Sim denounced the stabbings, saying every single person who lives in or visits Vancouver has a right to feel safe.

"We will not allow this senseless act of violence to disrupt celebrations of all that makes our city great, and we will work each and every day to ensure Vancouver is a place where people can live, work and thrive in a safe environment," the statement read.

"Our city stands shoulder to shoulder with Light up Chinatown!, our Chinese community and all those who participated today. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this act of violence. We wish all of those affected a speedy recovery, and offer our support to their families and loved ones."

Tonight, three people were attacked in Chinatown.

Thank you @VancouverPD for your quick response. pic.twitter.com/Wju23soUf0
— Mayor Ken Sim (@KenSimCity) September 11, 2023

The festival is organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, which is devoted to the revitalization of the neighbourhood.

Foundation Chair Carol Lee issued a statement after the attack, saying the safety and well-being of the community is the top priority, and the organization will work closely with the city as police conduct their investigation.

"We are heartbroken and devastated by the incident that transpired during the Light Up Chinatown! festival. On behalf of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, as well as the organizing committee and the community, our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones."

A motive for the attack is unknown.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Family appeals to public on one-year anniversary of Port Coquitlam shooting

Around 1 A-M on June 30th last year, police responded to reports of gunshots. Officers arrived to find 37-year old Mehdi “Damian” Eslahian suffering from gunshot wounds outside a home in Port Coquitlam, and he died at the scene.

Family appeals to public on one-year anniversary of Port Coquitlam shooting

B.C. must urgently change forest strategies or face more wildfire disasters: report

British Columbia's independent forests watchdog is calling for the provincial government to make critical changes to how it manages forests to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. It comes as the largest wildfire in the province's history, the Donnie Creek wildfire, continues to burn out of control in the remote northeast.

B.C. must urgently change forest strategies or face more wildfire disasters: report

BOC outlook survey

The Bank of Canada's latest business outlook survey suggests businesses still anticipate larger-than-normal wage and price increases over the next year. The central bank reports expectations are shifting closer to what they were before the pandemic.

BOC outlook survey

B.C. health authority issues drug alert after benzodiazepines found in vape juice

Fraser Health issued an overdose alert Thursday saying the juice that tested positive contained cannabis and suspected synthetic cannabinoids and was sold in refillable, unmarked and unbranded cartridges. It did not specify where the product was sold.

B.C. health authority issues drug alert after benzodiazepines found in vape juice

Teenage hiker Esther Wang is found safe after two days lost in B.C. park

Team manager Ryan Smith with Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue says Esther Wang was located Thursday night and has gone home with her family after a medical assessment. RCMP say the 16-year-old from Langley, B.C., was part of a group of four people who were hiking in Golden Ears Provincial Park on Tuesday.

Teenage hiker Esther Wang is found safe after two days lost in B.C. park

Transit altercation results in a broken jaw and severed finger

On May 23rd just before 6:00 p.m., a physical altercation took place between two men, not known to each other, as they were boarding the same bus at the Marine Drive Canada Line Station in Vancouver. During the course of the altercation, a bus window was broken and a bystander was injured.