Fugitive from U.S. Capitol Riot Seeks Asylum in Canada

CACanada|

Antony Vo, a 32-year-old American man convicted for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, is seeking political asylum in Canada after absconding from a nine-month prison sentence. Vo had been ordered to report to prison on June 14, 2024, but instead fled to Canada, where he claims he feared for his safety and was subjected to an unfair trial due to his political beliefs.

In his asylum application, Vo described the Capitol riot as a "peaceful protest" that was distorted into a regime-change operation against former President Donald Trump. He expressed hope that Trump, if re-elected, would pardon him and other participants in the riot, whom he refers to as "political prisoners."

Vo's case is part of the broader fallout from the Capitol incident, where over 1,500 individuals have faced charges, and more than 140 police officers sustained injuries during the chaos. Vo's mother, Annie, who fled Vietnam in 1991 and was granted asylum in the U.S., is currently awaiting trial after her arrest in connection with the same events.

Living in Canada, Vo has reported receiving kindness and support from locals and stated he is committed to remaining in the country until it is safe for him to return to the United States.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Canada

Hunter Fatally Mauled by Bear During Arctic Expedition in Canada

A tragic incident occurred in Nunavut, Canada, where Darryl Conack was fatally mauled by a bear during a hunting trip. The attack happened while Conack and his companions were taking a tea break after hunting narwhal and caribou, according to local reports. Eyewitness Leo Lejangiak recounted the horrifying moment, noting that a protective female bear, likely fearing for her cubs, attacked unexpectedly. Lejangiak attempted to scare the bear away by firing into the air, but it bit Laurent Junior Utack before turning its attention to Conack. Although Lejangiak secured another gun and ultimately killed both the bear and its cub, Conack had already succumbed to his injuries. Afterward, the surviving hunters wrapped Conack’s body and tried to return to their boat, now immobilized by heavy snowfall and surrounded by additional bears. A rescue team later arrived, but not without having to shoot four more bears. The incident, which marks the second fatal bear attack in Nunavut in seven years, has ignited discussions on wildlife safety in Arctic regions.
CACanada

Indian Student Found Dead in Ottawa After Mysterious Disappearance

An Indian student, 21-year-old Vanshika Saini, was found dead in Ottawa, Canada, after being reported missing since April 25. According to The Times of India, Saini, the daughter of Aam Aadmi Party leader Davinder Saini, left her residence at approximately 9 PM that evening to search for a rental room and did not return. Her family reported her uncharacteristic silence, as she typically maintained regular communication with loved ones. Saini’s phone was switched off, and she subsequently missed an exam, prompting her friends to raise concern and notify local authorities. Following their search efforts, her body was discovered near a beach area in Ottawa. The Indian High Commission in Canada confirmed that they are in touch with Saini's family and stated that the local police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. As the investigation progresses, community members and friends are expressing shock and mourning the sudden loss of a student who had moved to Canada after completing her education in India.
CACanada

Tragic SUV Incident Claims Nine Lives at Vancouver Festival

A devastating incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday night when an SUV crashed into a crowd, resulting in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries. The collision took place shortly after 8 p.m. local time at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where attendees had gathered to celebrate Filipino heritage, according to the Vancouver Police Department. Videos circulated on social media captured the chaotic scene, leading first responders to provide immediate medical assistance to injured festival-goers. Witness Jen Idaba-Castaneto described the experience as “heartbreaking” and expressed her shock at witnessing such violence during a festive occasion. The driver of the SUV is currently in custody, although authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding how the vehicle drove into the crowd. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister David Eby, expressed their condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing ongoing police investigations. “Shocked and heartbroken,” Eby stated, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on the local community.
CACanada