Seattle: A peaceful Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory in Washington State was disrupted on November 7 after two far-right activists entered the cultural gathering carrying anti-Hindu and racially offensive placards, targeting the Hindu community and people of South Asian origin.
The incident took place during the annual Diwali: Lights of India festival, organised as part of Seattle Center’s Festál cultural celebrations. The event, which was scheduled from noon to 6 p.m., featured traditional Indian music, dance performances, cultural activities and family entertainment. Children and young performers were among those participating when the disruption occurred.The protesters were identified in media reports as conservative activist Jake Lang and Thomas Allen. They carried placards displaying slogans including “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians”. The messages were widely condemned as racist, xenophobic and anti-Hindu, particularly because they targeted an entire religious and ethnic community during a public cultural celebration.
According to reports and videos circulated on social media, attendees confronted the protesters, and they were eventually escorted out of the venue. The disruption attracted considerable attention because the event was intended to provide a welcoming environment for families, children and members of the wider community to celebrate Diwali.
Following the incident, Lang took to social media and posted further comments targeting Hindus. He also blamed the Hindu community for political developments in Texas and made derogatory remarks. Lang subsequently claimed that he and his associates had been assaulted by people attending the festival. These allegations were presented as his own account of the confrontation.
The incident drew a strong reaction from US Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District. Condemning the demonstration, she described it as a “vile and racist display” and stressed that Diwali is an important religious and cultural celebration and that communities must feel safe celebrating their traditions.In her statement, Jayapal said that such hateful displays had no place in Seattle or anywhere in the United States.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also condemned the incident, describing it as an example of Hinduphobic bigotry. The organisation issued a community alert advising Hindus in Seattle and surrounding areas to remain vigilant, particularly during other Diwali celebrations. It also expressed concern over indications that the activists might attempt to disrupt additional cultural gatherings.The Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) also issued a strong condemnation on November 8, describing the incident as a racist, xenophobic and anti-Hindu disruption. The organisation called for respect for religious freedom and the right of communities to celebrate their cultural and religious traditions without intimidation.
Source note: This report draws on Seattle Center’s event information, published media reports and public statements from CAIR-WA, CoHNA and Representative Pramila Jayapal.