Vancouver Coastal Health has confirmed that Kai-ji Adam Lo, the accused mass killer in Saturday’s deadly festival attack, was under the care of a mental health team and on leave from hospital when the tragedy occurred.
According to the Mental Health Act, Lo was released on extended leave from the designated facility with appropriate support in the community. However, authorities have raised concerns about whether this support was sufficient to prevent the attack.
Police had numerous encounters with Lo related to his mental health, but he had no criminal record prior to the incident. Experts are now calling for an independent commission to gather information on best practices to safely hold outdoor public events.
Premier David Eby has announced plans to create such a commission, which is expected to report by June. However, some critics argue that this response is insufficient, as waiting years for criminal proceedings to end can be inappropriate in the face of a mental health crisis.
Former solicitor general and police officer Kash Heed believes that government action on mental health is needed immediately, while Conservative public safety critic Elenore Sturko points out that existing community supports are clearly not sufficient. The case highlights concerns about effective intervention and support for individuals with serious mental illness.
Source: https://vancouversun.com/news/adam-lo-accused-mass-killer-lapu-lapu-leave-psychiatric-hospital