The FBI is investigating a suspected arson at the Chinese consulate in San Francisco, an agency spokesman said this morning.
Around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, a person got out of a minivan parked in front of the consulate’s front doors at 1450 Laguna St., poured two buckets of gasoline onto the front door and then set it on fire, consulate officials said.
Previously: Harsh Words From Spokesperson After Arsonist Sets Door Of SF’s Chinese Consulate Ablaze
A fire department spokeswoman said the fire was controlled a few minutes later around 9:40 p.m.
The fire caused severe damage to the building but no one was injured, FBI spokesman Peter Lee said.
Lee said there was no suspect or motive as of late this morning and that the fire is being treated as a criminal matter.
Lee said the FBI is working with the consulate and the San Francisco police and fire departments, along with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
At a news conference this morning, Chinese consulate spokesman Wang Chuan told reporters the consulate is asking authorities to provide more protection for the building and consular personnel.
Sasha Lekach, Bay City News
