Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire, US ’strongly condemns’, Watch

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 04, 2023: The Indian consulate in San Francisco was set on fire in the wee hours of Sunday morning between 1:30 and 2:30 am, reported Diya TV, a local channel on Tuesday. The attack was allegedly carried out by Khalistani supporters in their second attack on the consulate in five months. Khalistani supporters had vandalised the Indian Consulate in March.

 

The 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

So far, there have been no reports of injuries yet and the fire was quickly brought under control by the San Francisco Fire Department.

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.

CONSULATE VANDALISED IN MARCH

In March, as Punjab Police launched a nationwide search for Amritpal Singh in India, Khalistani supporters vandalised the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. Videos surfaced of a huge crowd attacking the Indian Consulate as Punjabi music blared in the background. A huge graffiti that read "Free Amritpal" was spray-painted on the outer wall of the San Francisco building.

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.

Courtesy: India Today