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The phrase “dot heads” is a racial slur directed at people of South Asian origin, particularly Hindus, and refers to the bindi or tilak traditionally worn on the forehead.
ake Lang and Thomas Allen carried placards reading “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians” as they targeted the Diwali celebration at Seattle Center Armory. (IMAGE: X)
A Diwali celebration in Seattle on Saturday was disrupted by a group of far-right activists carrying anti-Hindu and racist placards, including one that read “Deport All Dot Heads” and another declaring “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians”. The protesters, identified as conservative activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, arrived at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday, November 7, as families gathered for the festival.
The slogans triggered confrontations with people attending the celebration, and the activists were eventually escorted out of the venue. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, drawing condemnation from US lawmakers and Indian-American community organisations.
The phrase “dot heads” is a racial slur directed at people of South Asian origin, particularly Hindus, and refers to the bindi or tilak traditionally worn on the forehead. The other placard invoked the language of the so-called “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, recasting the presence of Hindus in the United States as a threat to Christians.
Who Are Jake Lang And Thomas Allen?
Lang had also sought the Republican nomination for the US Senate in Florida in 2026, hoping to challenge incumbent Senator Ashley Moody. However, he did not make it onto the ballot for the party’s August primary. His campaign followed his release from federal custody after President Donald Trump pardoned him and other defendants charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Lang has since remained active in far-right political circles. He heads an organisation called White Replacement and has used social media to promote anti-immigrant and anti-Hindu rhetoric.
Following the Seattle incident, Lang posted about the confrontation on X, claiming that he and other protesters had been assaulted by attendees and accusing Hindus of helping Democrats turn Texas blue. He also used abusive language against the Hindu community.
At A Glance
Far-right activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen disrupted a Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday, November 7, carrying racist placards.
Jake Lang previously sought the Republican nomination for the US Senate in Florida in 2026 and was released from federal custody following a pardon by President Donald Trump.
US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria publicly condemned the racist demonstration on social media.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America issued a community alert urging members to remain vigilant following threats of further disruptions.
Thomas Allen was identified alongside Lang as one of the activists involved in the demonstration. The available reports have not established comparable details about Allen’s political background or organisational affiliations.
Pramila Jayapal Condemns Anti-Hindu Display
The incident drew a sharp response from US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who described the demonstration as racist and said Hindu Americans should be able to celebrate their religious festivals without fear.
“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,” Jayapal said in a post on X.
Indian-American businessman and former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria also condemned the activists, describing their actions as an expression of hatred and bigotry.
“Targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants with racial slurs and conspiracy rhetoric has no place in this country,” he said.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) issued a community alert for Seattle and surrounding areas, saying the activists had disrupted a Hindu Diwali celebration where children were performing. The organisation urged community members to remain vigilant, alleging that Lang and Allen had indicated plans to target other celebrations.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Far-right activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen disrupted a Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday, November 7, carrying racist placards with anti-Hindu slogans like “Deport All Dot Heads” before being escorted out.
Ask News18About the Author
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has …Read More
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