‘Deport All Dot Heads’: Anti-Hindu Hate At US Diwali Celebrations

A Diwali celebration in Seattle, USA, became a target of hate after a group of far-right activists arrived with racist slogans against Hindus and Indians. One of their placards read, “Deport All Dot Heads”, while another carried the message, “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians”.

The incident took place on November 7 at Seattle Center Armory, where Indian families had gathered to celebrate Diwali with cultural programmes and performances.

The protesters, led by far-right activist Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, displayed anti-Hindu messages and waved American flags. Their presence angered people attending the celebrations, and they were eventually escorted out of the venue.

US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal strongly condemned the incident. Former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria also criticised the protesters for targeting the Hindu community with racist remarks.

Jake Lang later continued his attack on Hindus through social media. He even blamed the Hindu community for helping Democrats win elections in Texas.

Lang was among those involved in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. He spent around four years in prison before receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in January 2025.

The incident is particularly concerning for the Indian-American community, as it happened just a day after Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House by lighting a traditional diya.

While Indian-Americans continue to celebrate their culture and contribute to the country, such open displays of racism raise serious questions about their safety and acceptance in the United States.