Kathmandu— Jake Lang, a US activist known for burning copies of the Quran, was arrested on suspicion of rioting after his rally in Minneapolis erupted in violence Saturday afternoon. The event, held outside City Hall, drew both supporters and a large crowd of counterprotesters anticipating confrontation. Lang and seven associates were initially detained, with four additional arrests made later in connection to the clashes; Lang claims he was “brutally assaulted” and is being held as a “political hostage.” The rally was organized in support of Shiloh Hendrix, who was recently convicted for using a racial slur against a child.

Rally Draws Opposition

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged Lang’s opponents to avoid the event, calling it a “lame-a** racist rally” and advising them not to engage. Despite this plea for de-escalation, an angry crowd gathered in anticipation of Lang's arrival. The rally was initially promoted as “N March,” but quickly became associated with support for Shiloh Hendrix, who received a fine, probation, community service, and a suspended jail sentence after being found guilty of disorderly conduct following an incident involving a racial slur directed at an autistic Black child.

Confrontation Erupts

Lang arrived in two vehicles that drove onto the sidewalk near City Hall. He stood in the back of a pickup truck displaying a sign with a racially charged message, while an associate carried a large white cross. Counterprotesters attempted to block the vehicles and clashed with Lang as police intervened to separate the groups, leading to chaotic scuffles. Video footage showed protesters pepper-spraying individuals and damaging one of Lang’s trucks.

History of Quran Burnings

This incident is part of a pattern of provocative actions by Lang, who previously attempted to burn copies of the Quran in Dearborn, Michigan – home to a large Muslim community – on multiple occasions in 2025. Both times he was stopped by counterprotesters, once with a fire extinguisher. In January, Lang also demonstrated outside the headquarters of AIPAC in Washington, DC, displaying a banner and throwing chocolate coins.

Lang remains in custody following his arrest, and authorities are continuing to investigate the clashes that occurred during Saturday’s rally. Further details regarding potential charges against those arrested have not yet been released.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.