A Diwali celebration in Seattle, United States, was disrupted on Saturday, November 7, after far-right activist Jake Lang and fellow demonstrators arrived with placards carrying anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant slogans. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from American lawmakers and Indian-American community leaders, who described the demonstration as racist and called for Hindu Americans to be able to celebrate their cultural and religious festivals without fear.
The incident took place at the Seattle Center Armory during the Diwali: Lights of India festival, a cultural event featuring performances, food, art and family activities. The protesters were reportedly escorted out after attendees intervened.
Protesters Carry Anti-Hindu Placards
Lang and fellow activist Thomas Allen were among those who entered the celebration carrying signs reading “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians.”
The slogans targeted Hindus and Indian-origin communities, using derogatory language and promoting claims that Hindu immigration threatens Christian identity in the United States.
Videos of the confrontation circulated widely on social media. The demonstrators were confronted by people attending the festival, and some attendees physically intervened to stop the disruption.
Lang later claimed that he and his associates had been assaulted by people at the event. In posts on social media, he used abusive language against Hindus and alleged that the community had helped Democrats secure political victories in Texas. His account of the confrontation has not been independently verified.
The incident has raised concerns about hostility towards religious and immigrant communities, particularly when cultural celebrations become targets of political demonstrations.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal Condemns Incident
US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal strongly criticised the demonstration, describing it as racist and unacceptable.
In a post on social media, she said she was deeply disgusted by the display and stressed that Diwali was an important occasion during which members of the community should feel safe.
Jayapal added that such hateful behaviour had no place in Seattle or the United States. Her response underscored concerns about the impact of racial and religious hostility on Indian-American families and other minority communities.
Indian-American businessman and former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria also condemned the incident. He described the protesters’ actions as bigotry and said racial slurs targeting Hindus and Indian immigrants were unacceptable.
He emphasised that Indian-Americans should be able to celebrate their heritage freely without being subjected to intimidation or discriminatory rhetoric.
Hindu Organisation Urges Community Vigilance
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) issued a community alert following the disruption. The organisation described the incident as an example of anti-Hindu bigotry and said the activists had interrupted a celebration where children were performing.
CoHNA condemned the slogans displayed by the protesters and urged Hindu community members in Seattle and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant during Diwali festivities.
The organisation also warned that the activists had indicated plans to disrupt other celebrations, prompting calls for greater awareness and appropriate precautions at community events.
The incident has renewed discussions about the safety of religious gatherings and the need to address discriminatory conduct targeting minority communities.
Who Is Jake Lang?
Lang is a far-right political activist who came to national attention following his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. He served time in prison in connection with the incident before receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in January 2025.
He has remained active in far-right political circles and has promoted causes associated with anti-immigration rhetoric and claims about demographic change.
The Seattle demonstration came amid broader political debates in the United States over immigration, national identity and the place of religious minorities in American society.
Incident Follows Diwali Celebrations by US Leaders
The disruption occurred shortly after Trump marked Diwali at the White House, participating in a ceremonial lighting of a diya during celebrations at the Oval Office.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also took part in Diwali-related events in the state, recognising the contributions of Indian-Americans to local communities and public life.
The contrast between official celebrations recognising Indian-American culture and the Seattle incident has drawn attention to the continuing challenges faced by minority communities.
The episode has prompted calls for respect for religious freedom and cultural diversity. Community leaders say people should be able to celebrate festivals such as Diwali without being targeted because of their religion or ethnic background.
