Khalistan separatists protested outside Indian diplomatic facilities in the US, threatening Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and attacking Press Trust of India journalist Lalit K Jha. The US State Department condemned the violence and threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel, stating that it is a grave concern and will not be tolerated. While respecting citizens’ First Amendment rights to engage in free speech, the department emphasized that violence or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest. The department also condemned attacks against journalists and expressed commitment to protecting the safety and security of diplomatic facilities and personnel. Two protests were staged by Khalistan separatists this month in Washington and San Francisco, with local law enforcement agencies investigating the matter.
