Windows were smashed and red paint was sprayed across HSBC’s ‘global IT hub’ building in Sheffield city centre last night.
Painted words reading “Free Palestine” and “Drop Elbit” – referring to an Israeli defence firm the bank has ties to – were splashed across the office entrance.
An official statement from South Yorkshire Police described the culprits as “a group of people wearing face coverings” who escaped in the direction of Pound Park in the early hours of the morning.
By midday the paint had been removed from the entranceway.
On Reddit, user LegitimateHurry8309 reacted: “Lunch time and the text has already been removed. The devil works fast but those funding genocide work faster.” HSBC told Sheffield Wire it would not comment on that accusation.
Another user, RevolutionaryEgg1312, added: “Blood on their hands and paint on their buildings. Many thanks to the BDS movement.”
The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) describes itself as “a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality.” The group has not officially claimed responsibility for the protest against HSBC.
A spokesperson from HSBC said: “Criminal acts against our offices and branches threaten the safety of our colleagues, customers, and our ability to serve the community, including some of the most vulnerable people who rely on our network. Safety is our priority, and we are actively assisting law enforcement to ensure accountability for these attacks.”
