Who Is Jake Lang? Why the Pardoned Jan. 6 Activist Is Trending After Minneapolis Clash

Jake Lang—a Trump-pardoned January 6 Capitol rioter turned conservative activist—became national news Saturday when counter-protesters chased his tiny pro-ICE demonstration from Minneapolis City Hall. Lang claimed head injuries after the confrontation amid freezing temperatures snowballs water balloons thrown by hundreds opposing his anti-Muslim anti-immigration rhetoric.

Lang organized “March Against Minnesota Fraud” supporting federal ICE raids Twin Cities context Renee Good shooting controversy. Fewer than dozen supporters faced hundreds counter-protesters drowned message chants music. Police armored vehicles separated crowds no arrests reported.

Jake Lang Background: Jan. 6 to Political Activism

Lang gained prominence January 6 2021 Capitol attack convicted assaulting officer baseball bat civil disorder served four years pretrial detention. President Trump pardoned dozens Jan. 6 defendants January 20 2025 inauguration wave including Lang.

Post-release Lang built social media following conservative activism announced U.S. Senate Florida Republican primary. Profiles anti-immigration federal enforcement critic frames “America First” rallies provocateur events.

Minneapolis Protest: What Happened Saturday

Lang event targeted City Hall steps planned Quran burning announcement drew immediate opposition. Minnesota 50501 immigrant rights groups mobilized “Defend Our Neighbors” counter-protest. Lang supporters under 12 overwhelmed 300+ counter-protesters jeering pelting snowballs water balloons.

Video footage captured Lang bloodied head leaving scene ally vehicle kicked punched crowd. Lang social media claimed stabbing police confirm no official assault report filed. Counter-protest organizers denounced violence maintained non-violent stance.

Police tactical gear batons present instructed crowds streets. Chopper 5 video showed Lang pushed ground before vehicle extraction. Cedar-Riverside Somali community self-organized protection never reached by Lang group.

Context: Twin Cities ICE Raids & Tensions

Rally occurred DHS deployed 2,000+ federal officers Twin Cities mass immigration enforcement. Renee Good fatal shooting ICE agent sparked daily protests. Lang positioned pro-Trump pro-deportation contrasting local Muslim Somali immigrant communities.

Supporter Jasen Johnson: “God bless Trump legal immigration.” Counter-protester Drew Harmon: “Defending immigrant community non-violence discipline.” Minneapolis Police aware social media assault claims encourage reporting no arrests mid-afternoon.

Why Jake Lang Trending Nationally

Lang embodies flashpoint: Trump-pardoned Jan. 6 figure political aspirations provocative rallies. Minneapolis humiliation—tiny group routed large counter-protest—viral video snow-covered bloodied activist amplifies reach. Florida Senate announcement adds political stakes.

National coverage LA Times Washington Post AP amplifies local Star Tribune KSTP reporting. Right-wing influencers decry “leftist violence.” Progressive groups celebrate community power non-violent resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jake Lang?

Conservative activist pardoned Trump Jan. 6 rioter announced Florida U.S. Senate candidacy organizes anti-immigration rallies.

What happened Jake Lang Minneapolis?

Counter-protesters chased small pro-ICE group City Hall pelting snowballs water balloons Lang claimed head injuries.

Was Jake Lang stabbed Minneapolis protest?

Lang claimed stabbing social media Minneapolis Police no official report filed confirm injuries.

Why Jake Lang Minneapolis?

“March Against Minnesota Fraud” supported ICE raids opposed local Muslim immigrant communities amid federal enforcement tensions.

Lang Minneapolis episode highlights polarized immigration debate post-Trump deportation surge. Florida Senate bid elevates local confrontation national political stakes. Police monitor social media assault claims potential charges developing.

Updated January 18, 2026 11:02 AM IST.