On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Diwali celebrations at the Seattle Center Armoury in Washington were abruptly interrupted by conservative activists carrying placards with anti-immigrant and anti-Hindu messages. The group, led by Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, stormed a stage during a dance performance, an act that immediately drew widespread condemnation from United States lawmakers and community leaders.
Lang and Allen waved the American flag while displaying signs demanding "Deport All Dot Heads" and advocating to "Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians." Their actions, captured in viral social media videos, targeted a peaceful cultural event. The activists were promptly escorted out of the venue, which hosts Seattle Center Festal, a series of 25 free cultural festivals attracting hundreds of thousands annually.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, representing Washington, voiced her profound disgust. "I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display," Jayapal stated on X, emphasizing that Diwali is an important holiday and such hateful exhibitions have no place in her city or country. Former White House advisor Ajay Jain Bhutoria echoed this sentiment, labeling the actions "absolutely disgusting" and "pure hate and bigotry." Bhutoria asserted that "targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants with racial slurs and conspiracy rhetoric has no place in this country."
This disruptive incident occurred just a day after significant endorsements of Diwali. US President Donald Trump had lit a traditional diya in the Oval Office, while Washington Governor Bob Ferguson participated in celebrations at the Indian Consulate General in Seattle. Governor Ferguson highlighted Washington state's pride in its Indian-American community, noting its rapid growth over the past decade and its substantial contributions.
Image: siasat.com
đŸ“° Source: Siasat Gulf