During a Diwali celebration in Seattle, two far-right activists disrupted the event, promoting xenophobic messages. Bystanders quickly intervened to maintain the festive atmosphere, underscoring community solidarity against hate.
SEATTLE, WA — On November 7, 2023, the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall was filled with thousands of individuals celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The joyous occasion was interrupted when two far-right agitators, Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, entered the venue brandishing placards with inflammatory messages, including “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu replacement of Christians.” The disruption occurred approximately an hour and a half into the event, which featured six hours of cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and activities for families.
Organized by Latha Sambamurti, the Diwali celebration has been an annual event since 2013, designed to foster community and cultural exchange. This year’s festivities included music and dance performances, roti making, henna art, block printing, and interactions with baby cows, all aimed at highlighting the rich traditions associated with the festival.
Community Response to Disruption
As the agitators entered, a group of student dancers clad in red and gold saris were performing a Bharatnatyam dance that narrates the defeat of the demon Narakasura, a key story in Diwali celebrations symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Footage from the incident shows audience members swiftly intervening, pushing the disruptors toward the exit while shouting for them to leave. One agitator was heard declaring, “This is a Christian country!” as attendees rallied to restore order.
Antara Datta, the artistic director of Anga Kala Kathak Academy, expressed her shock at the incident, stating, “This is very unexpected in a city like Seattle. There are people from all different religions, and they have always coexisted very peacefully.” Many attendees, including families and children, reported feeling shaken by the unexpected display of anti-Hindu sentiment.
Sambamurti, who witnessed the disruption firsthand, praised the immediate response of fellow attendees, which included hockey fans who had come to the venue before a Seattle Kraken game. “We are so fortunate to live in such a wonderful place where people under this roof feel that we are all the same,” she stated, acknowledging the collective effort to uphold the spirit of the event. “Together, we all make our community very strong and peaceful.” Despite the disruption, the young performers continued their dance, symbolizing resilience and unity.
Background on the Agitators
Both Jake Lang and Thomas Allen have histories of engaging in hate speech and harassment directed toward various marginalized groups, including Hindus and Muslims. Lang, who was previously arrested and served four years for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, was pardoned by former President Donald Trump. Following the incident at the Diwali festival, Lang took to social media to claim he was assaulted and made derogatory comments about the Hindu community.
Allen, meanwhile, is facing legal issues of his own, having been charged with assault in Oregon for a separate incident involving an anti-ICE protester. The recent disruption at the Diwali celebration has drawn widespread condemnation from local and national leaders.
Political and Community Impact
U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents much of the Seattle area, voiced her outrage over the incident, stating, “I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display. Diwali is an important holiday, and our community should feel safe to celebrate it.” The incident is part of a troubling trend of increasing anti-South Asian and anti-Hindu attacks in the United States, which have been reported both in person and online. A recent foiled mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois during the festival of Navaratri heightened concerns within the community about safety during religious celebrations.
As the community rallied together to expel the agitators, the dancers concluded their performance, signifying the victory of good over evil, which is the essence of Diwali. Sambamurti remarked on the poignant timing of the dancers finishing their act just as the disruptors were removed, stating, “This is the real symbol of Diwali — it’s not just lighting lamps. It is about illuminating our hearts, standing up to negativity, protecting what is good and choosing light over darkness. That’s exactly what happened there.” She added, “The children kept dancing. The celebration continued. The light was not dimmed.” This incident serves as a reminder of both the challenges faced by minority communities and the strength found in solidarity against hate.
