Washington, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Five US lawmakers and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson have condemned the disruption of a public Diwali celebration in Seattle by protesters carrying anti-Hindu and anti-Indian signs, describing the incident as racist and unacceptable.
The incident took place on Saturday at the Seattle Centre Armoury during ‘Diwali: Lights of India’, a free public festival featuring Indian music, dance and cultural performances.
According to the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), protesters Jake Lang and Thomas Allen interrupted the event while children were performing. The organisation said the two men carried signs displaying a racial slur against Indians and promoting claims that Hindus were replacing Christians. Other people at the venue subsequently removed the protesters.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the disruption in a post on X, describing it as “the hateful nonsense from bigots who interrupted a beautiful Diwali ceremony at Seattle Centre”. She also said that she and her daughter had celebrated Diwali with friends on Saturday evening.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whose district includes much of Seattle, called the incident a vile and racist display, stressing that the community should be able to celebrate Diwali safely.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said the festival’s message of the victory of light over darkness did not mean such a victory was automatic. He called for collective efforts to confront discrimination and hatred directed at Hindus and other communities.
Congressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan described the disruption as “utterly disgusting”, while Congresswoman Deborah Ross of North Carolina said the racist, anti-Indian protests deserved unequivocal condemnation. Washington Congressman Adam Smith also expressed deep concern over the blatant racism and said everyone should be welcome to celebrate their religious festivals.
CoHNA condemned the incident, particularly the targeting of children during the cultural performances. The organisation urged community members to remain vigilant, claiming that the protesters had announced plans to disrupt other Diwali celebrations.
The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also denounced the episode, calling it racist, xenophobic and anti-Hindu.
Its Executive Director, Imraan Siddiqi, said hate speech, xenophobic harassment and the targeting of religious minorities were contrary to the fundamental values of the region and the country.
Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad said Hindu Americans, South Asians and others must be able to celebrate their faith and traditions without intimidation or harassment.
Indian-American businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria also condemned the use of racial slurs and conspiracy rhetoric targeting Hindu Americans and Indian immigrants.
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