Seattle: An attempt to disrupt Diwali celebrations in Seattle by members of a far-right group was called out by prominent members of the Indian diaspora in the US.
The actions of American far-right activist Jake Lang, who disrupted a Diwali celebration in the city while carrying signs that read ‘Deport all Dotheads’, were condemned by US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and other prominent Indian Americans.
“I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display. Diwali is an important holiday and our community should feel safe to celebrate it. This hateful display has no place in our city or this country,” Jayapal posted on X.
The act was called ‘pure bigotry’ by prominent Indian American businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who said that racial slurs against Hindus had no place in America.
“Absolutely disgusting. Jake Lang and Thomas Allen storming a peaceful Diwali celebration in Seattle with signs reading “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians” is pure hate and bigotry. Diwali is a festival of light, family, and joy — not a threat. Targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants with racial slurs and conspiracy rhetoric has no place in this country. We stand against this racism and for the right of every American to celebrate their heritage freely. #StopAsianHate,” he posted.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has advised all community members to continue being vigilant against such attacks.
“Community Alert for Seattle and surrounding areas! Hinduphobic bigotry on open display as activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen burst in to disrupt a Hindu Diwali celebration where children are performing, holding signs such as “Deport all Dotheads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians”. Thankfully, there were others who didn’t tolerate this and removed them from the premises. We condemn such actions and advise community members to stay vigilant while celebrating Diwali, as these activists have announced plans to disrupt other celebrations,” CoHNA said in a post on X.
Posting pictures of the attempted disruption, Lang indulged in an abusive rant on X targeting Hindus claiming that they were responsible for flipping Texas blue for the Democrats.
“We were just ASSAULTED by dozens of ANTIFA & HINDUS @ the Seattle Diwali Festival!!!! I guess they didn’t like our “Deport All Dot Heads” sign!!! Hindus flipped Texas blue. ‘#$%’ them,” he posted.
“We were demonstrating our First Amendment against the replacement of Christians by Hindus in the state of Texas, the state of Washington and a bunch of Indians and white liberals just swarmed us and attacked us…They hit me. They broke my flag… This is what’s happening in America,” he said while speaking outside the celebration venue, as reported by ANI.
Lang, who runs his organisation called White Replacement was a participant in the January 6, 2021 US Capitol attack for which he has served four years in jail. He was pardoned by US president Donald Trump on the first day of his second presidency in 2025.
The attempted disruption came just after Trump marked Diwali celebrations with Indian tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, Chef Vikas Mehta and others at the Oval Office. During the festivities Trump participated in a ceremonial diya-lighting and was gifted a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.