Deport All Dot Heads: Who Is Jake Lang, The Activist Who Disrupted Seattle Diwali?

Diwali celebrations in Seattle were disrupted on November 7 when American far-right activist Jake Lang and his supporters stormed the Seattle Center Armory with anti-Hindu and anti-Indian placards, triggering widespread condemnation from Indian-American lawmakers and community organisations.

The protesters carried signs reading ‘Deport All Dot Heads’ and ‘Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians’ during Seattle Center Festál's Diwali: Lights of India celebrations, where families had gathered for cultural performances and festivities. The demonstration interrupted a dance performance before attendees confronted the protesters and intervened to remove them.

Lang subsequently posted videos of the confrontation online, claiming that he and his supporters had been assaulted. He also alleged that Hindu voters had helped Democrat James Talarico win the Texas Senate race in the 2026 US midterm elections.

US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned the demonstration as a “vile and racist display”, saying the Hindu community should feel safe celebrating Diwali. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also criticised the anti-Hindu slogans, calling for collective action against hatred. Former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria described the demonstration as “pure hate and bigotry”. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) urged community members to remain vigilant.

Lang is a far-right activist and social media personality who gained national attention for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. He faced 11 criminal charges, including assaulting police officers, civil disorder and obstructing an official proceeding. Prosecutors alleged that he attacked officers with a baseball bat and riot shield.

However, he never stood trial. On January 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 January 6 defendants, including Lang, who subsequently described himself as a “January 6 political prisoner”.

Since then, Lang has organised several provocative demonstrations. In November 2025, he attempted to burn a Quran during an anti-Muslim protest in Dearborn, Michigan, and later placed bacon on the holy book.

In January 2026, he staged an antisemitic demonstration outside the headquarters of pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, throwing chocolate coins and performing a Nazi salute. In March, he brought a goat to an anti-Muslim protest outside Gracie Mansion, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence. Mamdani condemned the demonstration as “vile” and rooted in white supremacy.

Lang also sought the Republican nomination in Florida's 2026 Senate race but failed to make the ballot.