Far-right activist Jake Lang was arrested on Saturday following an incident in Minneapolis. Local law enforcement reported that vehicles associated with him drove onto a sidewalk toward a crowd gathered outside Minneapolis City Hall. The Minneapolis Police Department shared this information in a Facebook post. Newsweek reached out to the police department and a law firm formerly representing Lang for comments via email.
Details of the Incident
Police stated that Lang, along with supporters in two vehicles, arrived near City Hall around 11:50 a.m. local time. Both vehicles reportedly drove onto the sidewalk in front of City Hall, heading toward pedestrians. Officers intervened and directed the vehicles away from the area. Authorities later tracked the vehicles with help from the Minnesota State Patrol and Bloomington police, leading to their stop. All occupants, including Lang, were arrested on probable cause for riot. The vehicles were impounded. Additional arrests occurred near City Hall.
The incident followed a rally organized by Lang, which attracted counter-protesters in downtown Minneapolis. Videos from the scene, shared on social media and by local news outlets, showed tensions between opposing groups as police worked to keep them apart.
Background on Jake Lang
In July, Lang announced his return to Minneapolis for a ‘peaceful freedom of speech rally.’ He had previously claimed to be stabbed during a pro-ICE rally outside City Hall in January, saying a counter-protester attacked him during his ‘March Against Minnesota Fraud’ demonstration. By Saturday evening, no formal charges had been announced beyond the arrest on probable cause for riot.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey referred to Lang as a “far-right extremist and known racist” during a press conference.
Who Is Jake Lang?
Jake Lang is a far-right political activist and commentator recognized nationally for his role in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. He was charged for the insurrection and spent years in pretrial detention. He received a pardon from President Donald Trump in January 2025. At that time, Lang faced serious charges, including assaulting law enforcement, with accusations of striking officers with an aluminum bat and assaulting one on the ground. Lang has denied any wrongdoing, claiming self-defense against police-initiated violence.
Since his release, Lang has remained active within conservative and far-right political circles, organizing rallies and launching a Senate campaign in Florida. He has faced criticism for racist and antisemitic rhetoric and has organized demonstrations in multiple cities, including Dearborn, Michigan, known for its large Arab American population. Lang has experienced multiple arrests related to his activities.