Car drives into Chinese consulate in San Francisco – person shot dead at the wheel

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Chinese Consulate in San Francisco: Large-scale police operation

Photo: LAURE ANDRILLON / AFP

A car crashed into the lobby of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco and caused serious damage. When emergency services arrived at the scene of the incident in the US West Coast city, they first spoke to the person in the car, as the police in San Francisco announced late Monday evening (local time). Then a policeman fired. Rescue workers then took the suspect to a clinic, where she died.

The authorities did not comment on possible backgrounds. The police also did not provide any information on whether the suspect was a man or a woman. The case is still being investigated, investigators said.

Consulate condemns 'violent attack'

One video showed the car parked in the devastated lobby and people running frantically out of the building. There are no indications of injuries in the incident, said a police spokeswoman.

The Chinese consulate condemned the "violent attack" in a statement. Severe damage had been caused to the building. The U.S. must ensure the safety of personnel there and investigate the case, it said. Next month, a summit of the Asia-Pacific states is planned in the Californian city, which may also be attended by China's head of state Xi Jinping. However, China has not yet confirmed Xi's participation.

wit/dpa/Reuters