U.S. Lawmakers, Seattle Mayor Condemn Anti-Hindu Protest at Diwali Celebration

WASHINGTON–Five members of Congress and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson have condemned an incident in which protesters carrying anti-Hindu and anti-Indian signs disrupted a Diwali celebration in Seattle, prompting widespread criticism from political leaders and community organizations.

The disruption occurred Saturday at the Seattle Center Armory during Diwali: Lights of India, a free public festival featuring Indian music, dance performances and cultural activities.

According to the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), two individuals identified as Jake Lang and Thomas Allen interrupted the event while children were performing.

The organization said the protesters displayed signs containing a racial slur targeting Indians and messages promoting claims that Hindus were replacing Christians.

Other attendees reportedly intervened and removed the protesters from the venue.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson criticized the incident in a social media post, denouncing “the hateful nonsense from bigots who interrupted a beautiful Diwali ceremony at Seattle Centre”.

Wilson, who said she had celebrated Diwali with friends and her daughter that evening, expressed support for the community following the disruption.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat whose congressional district includes much of Seattle, strongly condemned the incident and emphasized the importance of protecting religious and cultural celebrations.

“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 on X.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian-American Democrat from Illinois, also criticized the demonstration, pointing to Diwali’s message of the triumph of light over darkness.

Krishnamoorthi said that victory “is not automatic” and argued that the discriminatory messages displayed at the event demonstrated the continued need to confront religious and racial prejudice.

He called on Americans to “stamp out this hate directed toward Hindus and anyone”.

Rep. Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American Democrat from Michigan, described the disruption as “utterly disgusting” and said the behavior “has no place in America”.

Rep. Deborah Ross, a North Carolina Democrat, similarly denounced the incident.

Ross said the “racist, anti-Indian protests at a Diwali event in Seattle are despicable and must be unequivocally condemned”.

Rep. Adam Smith, a Washington Democrat, expressed concern about the treatment of festival attendees.

Smith said he was “deeply appalled by the blatant racism at the Diwali celebration in Seattle” and emphasized that people of all backgrounds should feel welcome to observe their religious and cultural traditions.

CoHNA expressed particular concern that the disruption occurred while children were participating in the celebration.

The organization urged community members to remain vigilant, saying the individuals involved had indicated plans to target additional Diwali events.

The incident also drew condemnation from the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which characterized the demonstration as racist, xenophobic and anti-Hindu.

“Hate speech, xenophobic harassment, and targeting of minority religious groups run counter to the fundamental values of our region and nation,” said Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director of CAIR’s Washington chapter.

Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad also spoke out, emphasizing that Hindu Americans, South Asians and members of other communities should be able to celebrate their religious beliefs and cultural heritage without facing intimidation or harassment.

Indian-American businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria joined the criticism, condemning the use of racial slurs and conspiracy-driven rhetoric targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants.

The incident has brought renewed attention to concerns about religious intolerance and anti-Indian discrimination in the United States, with elected officials and advocacy organizations calling for greater respect and protection for communities celebrating their cultural and religious traditions. (Source: IANS)