A Diwali celebration in Seattle faced a disturbing disruption on Saturday when far-right activists, identified as Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, crashed the peaceful event. The activists displayed openly racist signs, including messages such as “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians,” sparking immediate outrage and widespread condemnation from prominent Indian American figures.
Leaders Denounce Racist Display
US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal swiftly condemned the incident on social media, labeling it a “vile and racist display.” She emphasized the importance of Diwali as a holiday and stated that the community should feel secure in their celebrations, adding that such “hateful” acts have no place in Seattle or the United States.
Indian American businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria echoed these sentiments, describing the activists' actions as “pure hate and bigotry.” Bhutoria highlighted that Diwali is a festival of light, family, and joy, not a threat, and asserted that targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants with racial slurs and conspiracy theories is unacceptable in the country. He underscored the community's stand against racism and in favor of every American's right to celebrate their heritage freely.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also issued a strong condemnation of the disruption, urging the Hindu community to remain vigilant. CoHNA reported that the activists “burst in to disrupt a Hindu Diwali celebration where children are performing,” before individuals at the event physically removed them from the premises.
Activists' Claims and Background
Following their removal, Jake Lang, a known participant in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump in 2025, posted on X (formerly Twitter) claiming he and Allen were “ASSAULTED by dozens of ANTIFA & HINDUS.” Lang asserted that attendees objected to his “Deport All Dot Heads” sign and claimed they were exercising their First Amendment rights to protest what he called the “replacement of Christians by Hindus.” Lang operates an organization named White Replacement.
Context Amidst Diwali Celebrations
The Seattle incident occurred shortly after various high-profile Diwali celebrations across the United States. Former President Trump had marked Diwali at the White House with Indian tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal and Chef Vikas Mehta, participating in a ceremonial diya-lighting. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also celebrated Diwali at the state legislative building with the Consul General of India and Senator Manka Dhingra.
This event also follows recent security concerns for the Hindu community, including the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis near Chicago. Paporakis, who allegedly professed Nazi ideology, was charged with making threats of a mass shooting at a Hindu temple.