SEATTLE — Two far-right activists/provocateurs disrupted a public Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday, holding signs that read “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians” while carrying American flags, that led to confrontations with attendees who eventually drove them from the venue.
Journalist Jonathan Choe, who spoke with the activists, reported that Jake Lang and Thomas Allen said they were concerned about American culture being overrun by “false idol worshippers and H1-B fraudsters.”
The free cultural festival, part of the Seattle Center’s Festál series and titled “Diwali: Lights of India,” included dance performances, family activities, and cultural exhibits.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism and is also observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. The name derives from the Sanskrit for “row of lights.” Celebrants light traditional clay oil lamps called diyas to symbolize the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festival typically falls in late October or early November according to the Hindu lunar calendar; the main day this year is Sunday, Nov. 8. Traditions include family gatherings, prayers—often to the goddess Lakshmi—the exchange of sweets, fireworks, and home decorations.
Jake Lang, whose full name is Edward Jacob Lang, is a 31-year-old far-right activist and social media influencer. He gained national attention for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. Federal prosecutors indicted him on 11 counts, including assault on police officers and civil disorder, alleging he used a shield and baseball bat against officers. Lang spent approximately four years in pretrial detention, including extended periods in solitary confinement.
Lang was released without a trial or conviction after President Donald J Trump issued a broad pardon covering him and other Jan. 6 defendants in January 2025. Since then, Lang has faced additional legal issues, including a June 2026 arrest in Texas on a charge of making terroristic threats, a felony property damage charge in Minnesota related to destroying an ice sculpture, and a criminal trespass arrest in Texas.
He is associated with an organization called White Replacement and has livestreamed confrontational actions at various events.
Thomas Allen, 37, also known online as TommyBoi or through the X account @Tommy4Trump420, is a pro-Trump livestreamer who frequently appears at protests, particularly in the Portland area. In September 2026, prosecutors in Oregon filed charges against him including fourth-degree assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct stemming from a confrontation at an anti-ICE protest.
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA07), wrote on X: “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.”
Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad issued a statement expressing deep dismay towards Lang and Allen for disrupting the celebration with “hateful and anti-immigrant messages.”
“My story began in India,” Conrad wrote. “I feel this attack personally. No one should ever feel unwelcome, unsafe, or afraid to celebrate who they are. To everyone who celebrated Diwali in Seattle: you belong here. We stand with you. And we will not allow hate to define our communities.”
Lang, in a statement to X, alleged that he was assaulted by “ANTIFA & HINDUS @ the Seattle Diwali Festival!!!!”
Saturday’s incident occurred against a backdrop of Governor Bob Ferguson proclaiming Nov. 8 as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in the state. The governor joined a celebration at the state Legislative Building with the Consulate General of India and state Sen. Manka Dhingra.
“Washington state is proud to be home to one of the largest communities of Indian Americans in the country,” wrote Ferguson on X. “During the previous decade, we had the fastest growing Indian American population in the entire country. And we have seen this community contribute so much to our state. To everyone starting their celebration of Diwali today, I hope you have a wonderful festival.”
Author: Mario Lotmore
