VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — On Friday, a Canadian judge mandated a mental health evaluation for a man accused of driving his SUV into a Filipino heritage festival crowd, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuries to many more, to determine if he is competent to face trial.

A publication ban restricts the release of Judge Reginal Harris's reasoning for the decision.

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, participated in the provincial court session via video link. He was dressed in an orange short-sleeved jumpsuit and sat on a blue couch. He is slated to return to court on May 30.

Lo is charged with eight counts of second-degree murder following his alleged act of driving an SUV into a crowd during the Filipino community’s Lapu Lapu Day Street festival last Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Marco Harder, the vice consul for the Consulate General of the Philippines, attended Friday’s hearing.

Lo had initially been scheduled for a court appearance on May 26, following his first appearance via video link on Sunday, the day after the incident.

Damienne Darby from the British Columbia Prosecution Service mentioned that Lo’s lawyer had requested an earlier court date.

Lo’s court session occurred just hours before a memorial mass was held to pray for the tragedy's victims.

The B.C. provincial government declared Friday a day of mourning for those affected. Flags throughout the city were flown at half-mast.

During a Mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Archbishop J. Michael Miller offered solace to everyone touched “by this dark day in Vancouver’s history.”

Miller assured members of the Filipino community that they are not alone in their grief.

“We stand with you in your sorrow, a sorrow that deeply affects us all,” he said.

Following the service, B.C. Premier David Eby addressed the assembly, noting that the entire province is in mourning.

“We grieve an injury to the Filipino community,” Eby stated. “We grieve the loss of innocence. The fact that such an event could occur here, in our province and Vancouver, affects us all personally.

“We mourn the loss of potential, of those who were taken from us too soon.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim remarked that the tragedy “has shattered something within all of us.”

“I am still processing the heartbreak, shock, anger, and profound sadness of the families who lost loved ones,” he expressed.

Vancouver police Interim Chief Const. Steve Rai emphasized that the city stands united with the Filipino community.

“Together with all who are grieving and coping with this horrific tragedy, as we embark on the long journey of healing,” he stated.