The disruption at Seattle Center by activists carrying anti-Indian and anti-Hindu placards drew condemnation from Indian American lawmakers, who called for an end to racial and religious hatred.
A Diwali celebration at Seattle Center was disrupted by far-right activists carrying anti-Indian and anti-Hindu placards, prompting strong condemnation from Indian American lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi.
The activists, identified as Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, entered the Seattle Center Armory during a cultural celebration on Saturday, Nov. 7, carrying placards reading “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians.” The protesters also waved American flags in front of a stage where a dance performance was taking place. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing the disruption of the festivities. The activists were subsequently escorted out of the venue.
The event was part of Seattle Center Festal, a series of 25 free cultural festivals that collectively attract approximately 400,000 visitors annually, according to PTI.
Jayapal calls display racist and hateful
US Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District, condemned the incident in a post on X, describing the demonstration as a racist display and saying the community should be able to celebrate Diwali without fear.
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“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 wrote. Her remarks underscored the importance of protecting the ability of Hindu Americans and other communities to celebrate their religious and cultural festivals without intimidation.
Jayapal also addressed the broader climate of anti-Indian sentiment in the United States, saying the rise in hate crimes, anti-immigrant rhetoric and targeting of Indian Americans had made the period particularly difficult for the community. “This anti-Indian rhetoric, including from the highest levels of government, have even led to an assassination attempt at a Hindu temple in Illinois and multiple killings of Indian Americans. That is simply wrong,” she said. Emphasizing religious freedom as a fundamental American principle, Jayapal said she was fighting in Congress to protect Hindu Americans’ right to practice their faith and celebrate their traditions. She urged people to embrace cultural and religious diversity, adding that Diwali should be a celebration of harmony, love and light.
Raja Krishnamoorthi calls for action against anti-Hindu hate
US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi also condemned the disruption, connecting the incident to the broader need to confront anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric.
In a post on X marking Diwali, the Indian American congressman said the festival’s message of the victory of light over darkness should also serve as a reminder that opposing hatred requires collective action. “Today is Diwali…Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today. Today is supposed to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. But that victory is not automatic,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.
Referring to the slogans displayed by the activists, he added, “When people are chanting stop ‘Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians’ and other hateful anti-Indian and anti-Hindu slogans, you know we have a lot of work to do.” Calling for a collective response, he said, “Let’s proudly light a lamp today for Diwali, but resolve that we have to stamp out this hate directed toward Hindus and anyone.” Krishnamoorthi also thanked Jayapal for drawing attention to the incident.
Indian American community leaders condemn disruption
Former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria also criticised the demonstration, describing it as “pure hate and bigotry.”
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In a post on X, Bhutoria said targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants with racial slurs and conspiracy rhetoric had no place in the country. He stressed that people should be able to celebrate their heritage freely. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also condemned the incident and urged community members in Seattle and surrounding areas to remain vigilant.
The organisation said the activists had announced plans to disrupt other Diwali celebrations, advising people to exercise caution while attending community events.
The Seattle incident came a day after President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House, lighting a traditional diya at the Oval Office. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also attended Diwali celebrations hosted by the Indian Consulate General in Seattle. Ferguson had highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to Washington state, noting that the state was home to one of the largest Indian American communities in the country.
The disruption has renewed attention to concerns about anti-Hindu hostility and racial discrimination targeting Indian Americans, even as communities across the United States celebrate their cultural and religious traditions.