A Diwali celebration at Seattle Center on Nov. 7 was disrupted by demonstrators carrying racist and anti-Hindu signs, prompting confrontations with attendees and condemnation from elected officials and community organizations.
A group held signs saying “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians,” interrupting the cultural celebration and a youth performance. Videos posted online showed attendees confronting the men, who were eventually escorted out of the venue.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal said in a statement, “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 Sen. Manka Dhingra also condemned the incident, saying people should be able to celebrate their religious and cultural identities without fear or intimidation.
The Indian American Community Services thanked those who intervened to remove the demonstrators.
“We have deep gratitude for the courage and strength of unity expressed by the individuals, including some Kraken fans, who ensured that those perpetrating hate speech were removed from the event,” the organization said in a Facebook post.
CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi described the incident as a racist, xenophobic and anti-Hindu disruption by far-right activists.
“Hate speech, xenophobic harassment, and targeting of minority religious groups run counter to the fundamental values of our region and nation,” Siddiqi said. He urged community members to remain vigilant against bigotry and reaffirm their commitment to standing against racism and hate.
King County Executive Zahilay also denounced the incident, saying attendees were subjected to racist slurs and calls for deportation.
“Such an act of hate, especially in front of children and families, is despicable,” Zahilay said. “This is not the King County I want those kids to know.”
One of the demonstrators was Jake Lang, a far-right activist who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Lang posted a video of the Diwali disruption on his X account, showing himself holding the “Deport All Dot Heads” sign.
Lang claimed that he and other demonstrators were attacked by festival attendees.
“We were just ASSAULTED by dozens of ANTIFA & HINDUS @ the Seattle Diwali Festival!!!!” Lang wrote. “I guess they didn’t like our ‘Deport All Dot Heads’ sign!!!”
He followed the post with an anti-Hindu message, writing, “Hindus flipped Texas blue. F*** them.”
Zahilay offered a message of support to the Indian and South Asian community: “You belong here. Happy Diwali. May your homes be filled with light and joy.”
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