On Monday, October 9, 2023, a vehicle crashed into the lobby of the Chinese consulate’s visa office in San Francisco.
The driver, later identified as a 31-year-old San Francisco resident, was fatally shot by the police.
According to several witnesses, upon emerging from the vehicle, the driver, Zhanyuan Yang, had a bleeding head and was vocally expressing his grievances against the Chinese Communist Party. Security personnel in the consulate restrained Yang when he attempted to return to his car.
The reasons behind his actions remain unknown, and it is unclear if he had any affiliations or motives linked to larger political or activist groups.
The swift response of the San Francisco police resulted in Yang being shot. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from inside the consulate as a result of the crash. Approximately 20 people were inside the building at the time of the incident.
The incident occurred in a residential neighborhood adjacent to a major street in San Francisco, where the consulate is located.
The Chinese consulate in San Francisco released a statement in which they detailed the violent nature of the driver’s actions, highlighting the serious threat it posed to the safety of consulate staff and visitors. They strongly criticized the violent act and affirmed its serious repercussions on the diplomatic relationship.
In addition to the consulate’s statement, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry has called on the United States to launch a thorough and timely investigation. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Chinese diplomatic institutions and personnel in the U.S., referencing the international treaties that govern such matters.
While the reasons leading up to this act remain uncertain, it’s worth noting that the Chinese consulate in San Francisco has previously been targeted in past attacks. The nature and frequency of these prior incidents were not detailed, but it underscores the tension and security concerns surrounding the diplomatic institution.