US condemns attempted arson at Indian Consulate in San Francisco

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The US has strongly condemned the reported vandalism and attempted arson at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco that took place July 2, 2023.

“The US 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 US is a criminal offense,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a tweet on Monday June 3.

In response to queries from News India Times, the San Francisco Police Department sent the following response:

“On 07/02/2023 at approximately 0203 hours, SFPD officers assigned to Richmond Station responded to the 500 block of Arguello Blvd for a fire investigation. SFFD personnel were on the scene and extinguished the fire. There have been no arrests at this time.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.”

In an earlier response about the SFPD case# 230455679, the SFPD said that on arrival they “observed a smoldering debris fire on the sidewalk and front door of this location. This fire caused exterior damage to the front door and entryway of this location. This fire is under investigation.”

“Calling the attack nothing less than a “terror act” an official told ANI that no major damages or staffers were harmed,” ANI reported, adding that the local San Francisco police department, special diplomatic security personnel, and state and federal authorities were notified and immediately began investigating the incident.

ANI quoted unnamed sources saying that “a group of Khalistan radicals made an attempt to set the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on fire.” However, the SFPD did not identify any entity in its responses to News India Times, noting that the investigation was ongoing.