Two activists disrupt Diwali celebration in Seattle with racist placards
The demonstrators were escorted out of the Seattle Center Armory after a scuffle during the religious festivities.
Two far-right activists, Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, disrupted a Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory, according to a Times of India report. The men carried placards demanding the deportation of certain groups and warning of a Hindu takeover of Christian America.
The activists were eventually escorted out of the venue following a scuffle. Lang claimed that he and Allen were assaulted by Hindus and Antifa, while also blaming Hindus for the Republican electoral defeat in Texas.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whose district includes Seattle, condemned the incident. She stated she was disgusted by the racist display and said the hateful act has no place in the city or the country.
Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), said she would laugh at the individuals as clowns seeking social media attention. She noted that having security precautions during religious events is now a reality.
Lang is a known figure in far-right activism who participated in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. He previously faced 11 federal counts but was pardoned by President Trump.