For the second time in last five months, the Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked and set on fire in the wee hours of Sunday morning between 1:30 and 2:30 am, as per local media reports.
It has been reported that, just like March, this time also the attack was allegedly carried out by Khalistani supporters.
A local TV channel shared a video of the fire which it said was released by Khalistani supporters.
ARSON ATTEMPT AT SF INDIAN CONSULATE: #DiyaTV has verified with @CGISFO@NagenTV that a fire was set early Sunday morning between 1:30-2:30 am in the San Francisco Indian Consulate. The fire was suppressed quickly by the San Francisco Department, damage was limited and no… pic.twitter.com/bHXNPmqSVm
— Diya TV - 24/7 * Free * Local (@DiyaTV) July 3, 2023
As per media reports, so far, there have been no reports of injuries.
The San Francisco Fire Department. acted promptly to bring the fire under control quickly.
Reacting to the incident, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department said the US "strongly condemns" the vandalism and attempted arson
"Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the U.S. is a criminal offense,” he added.
The U.S. strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the U.S. is a criminal offense.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) July 3, 2023
Amritpal Singh Row: Vandalisation of Indian Consulate
Back In March, as Punjab Police launched a nationwide search for Amritpal Singh in India, Khalistani supporters vandalised the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.
Protesters shouting pro-Khalistan slogans broke through security barriers to install two Khalistani banners inside the Consulate premises. They also hit the door and windows with iron rods.
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