Breaking: Activists disrupt Seattle Diwali event; US lawmakers condemn it

This story is developing and will be updated.

Two activists disrupted a Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory in Washington state, according to Deccan Herald. Jake Lang and Thomas Allen entered the event carrying placards that targeted Indians and Hindus, including messages calling for deportations and opposing what they described as Hindu replacement of Christians.

The two outlets differ on the day. The Economic Times reports the incident took place on Saturday, 7 November, while Deccan Herald reports that it happened on Sunday.

According to The Economic Times, the men interrupted a dance performance during the event and were escorted out after attendees intervened. Deccan Herald does not mention this detail. Neither report mentions any injuries or arrests.

Reactions from lawmakers and Hindu groups

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whose district includes Seattle, criticised the incident on X. Deccan Herald reports that she described the display as vile and racist, and said the local community should be able to celebrate its holiday safely.

Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, said, according to The Economic Times, that she might otherwise have brushed off the men as people chasing online attention. She said her concern grew because of a recent menace aimed at a Chicago place of Hindu worship. She added that religious and cultural gatherings now need security planning and clear exit routes.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America also condemned the actions, according to Deccan Herald. The group urged community members to stay alert while celebrating, because the activists had reportedly announced plans to disrupt other events.

Claims about the men’s plans

Independent journalist Jonathan Choe, who said he spoke with the men, wrote on X, according to Deccan Herald, that the pair were worried about American culture being overrun by people they called idol worshippers. He also said they raised objections to alleged H-1B visa fraud. These are Choe’s claims, as reported by Deccan Herald, and have not been independently confirmed.

Choe also said the pair planned to target other locations in Seattle during the coming weekend. Deccan Herald reports this as part of Choe’s account.

Background and wider context

The Economic Times reports that Jake Lang was involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and faced federal charges. He was later among those covered by a January 2025 clemency order issued by President Donald Trump. Since then, the outlet says, Lang has continued to take part in confrontational political demonstrations.

The same outlet reports rising alarm about hostility voiced toward Indians and Hindus in various US regions, Texas among them. It also says Lang later blamed Hindus for Republican defeats in Texas during the November 3 midterm elections.

Deccan Herald notes that the Seattle event came a day after Trump lit a traditional diya at the Oval Office. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson had also joined Diwali celebrations at the Indian Consulate General in Seattle.

Community leaders have called for better protection at cultural and religious events. They stress that people of Indian heritage should be able to observe their customs free from fear.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• The Economic Times: Seattle Diwali celebration disrupted by far-right activists with anti-Indian placards
• Deccan Herald: Diwali Disruption: Far-right activists target Seattle celebrations, lawmakers condemn racism

This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.