US lawmakers condemn disruption of Seattle Diwali event by activists
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi denounced far-right activists for targeting a Hindu celebration with racial slurs.
US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the disruption of a Diwali celebration in Seattle on Saturday, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle, The Tribune, and Telegraph India. Far-right activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen reportedly entered the Seattle Center Armoury during a dance performance while carrying placards with slogans such as "Deport All Dot Heads" and "Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians".
Jayapal described the incident as a "vile and racist display" and stated that the community should feel safe to celebrate the holiday. Congressman Krishnamoorthi said the event should serve as a reminder to stand against discrimination targeting Hindu Americans, noting that the hateful slogans show there is much work to be done.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) issued a community alert, stating that attendees removed the activists from the premises. CoHNA advised community members to remain vigilant as the activists have announced plans to disrupt other celebrations.
Businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria called the actions "pure bigotry," while Sunita Vishwanath, co-founder of Hindus for Human Rights, compared the incident to harassment faced by Christians in India. The advocacy group HinduPACT also urged the community to report hateful activity to law enforcement.
Lang, who runs the organisation White Replacement, was a participant in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack and served four years in jail before being pardoned by US President Donald Trump in 2025. Lang alleged that he and other protesters were assaulted by attendees during the demonstration.
