Multiple Arrests Made at Jake Lang’s Anti-Muslim Protest in Dearborn

Tensions flared in Dearborn Tuesday evening as hundreds gathered for a visit by self-described anti-Islamic activist Jake Lang, his latest stop in the predominantly Arab American community in recent months. Lang, 31, a former Florida U.S. Senate candidate, served four years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack before being pardoned by President Donald Trump. Tuesday marked at least his third visit to Dearborn, where he called out a Christian prayer and insulted Islam. Lang told The Detroit News last week he expected trouble at the event. His visit comes weeks after he clashed with participants in a large religious procession. City officials Monday urged residents not to engage with Lang, saying outsiders are seeking to sow hate and portray Dearborn as divided.

Cpl. Dan Bartok, the public information officer for the Dearborn Police Department, said there were multiple arrests Tuesday, but didn’t give a specific number.

He said police plan to have more specifics on Wednesday.

“As the event continues, we are going to continue to make the appropriate arrests. We’re going to have zero tolerance, just like we said from the very beginning, for any illegal behavior,” he said. “If any illegal behavior occurs, we will arrest those individuals, regardless of affiliation. Our goal is to have a peaceful event.”

Even after anti-Muslim activist Jake Lang went inside Dearborn’s library for the City Council meeting, hundreds remained outside. At least one man was arrested and escorted off by police.

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After the public comment portion of the meeting, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud addressed the crowd.

He spoke about the fear Lang’s visit has stoked in Dearborn. He didn’t send his own daughter to day care Tuesday, and some business owners chose not to open. A young boy he met Tuesday in the community asked him if the “crusaders” were coming to kill him.

Sending a message directly to that child, “I want to boldly say, ‘You belong here. You belong here as much as anyone,'” he said.

He urged people in the community not to be afraid to be themselves, and to gather and support each other as they always do.

People like Lang are attacking something much bigger than any one religion or ideal, he said.

“They are attacking the idea that everyone can belong to America at the same time,” said Hammoud, who got a standing ovation.