Far-right activist Jake Lang was arrested Saturday following an incident involving vehicles driving onto a sidewalk near Minneapolis City Hall. The Minneapolis Police Department detailed the event in a Facebook post.
Incident Details
Police reported that Lang arrived near City Hall with supporters in two vehicles at approximately 11:50 a.m. local time. Both vehicles reportedly drove onto the sidewalk towards a crowd gathered there. Officers intervened, directing the vehicles away and subsequently tracking them with help from the Minnesota State Patrol and Bloomington police.
Authorities arrested all occupants of the vehicles, including Lang, on probable cause for riot. The vehicles were impounded. Additional arrests occurred near City Hall in connection with the rally organized by Lang, which attracted counterprotesters. Videos circulated on social media capturing tensions between groups as police separated participants.
Previous Activities and Arrests
In late July, Lang announced his intent to organize a “peaceful freedom of speech rally” in Minneapolis. Lang previously claimed he was stabbed during a January rally at City Hall, alleging an attack by a counterprotester.
As of Saturday evening, formal charges beyond the riot arrest had not been announced. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described Lang as a “far-right extremist and known racist” during a press conference.
Background on Jake Lang
Lang is a far-right political activist who gained attention for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He faced charges, including assaulting law enforcement, and spent years in pretrial detention before a presidential pardon by Donald Trump in January 2025. Lang denied the charges, claiming self-defense.
Post-release, Lang remained active in conservative circles, organizing rallies and launching a Senate campaign in Florida. His activities have often drawn criticism, particularly for racist and antisemitic rhetoric. He has organized demonstrations in various cities, including Dearborn, Michigan, home to a large Arab American community, and faced multiple arrests.