A planned protest in Minneapolis has drawn national attention, not just because of its location but because of the man organizing it. Jake Lang, a controversial right-wing activist and a former January 6 Capitol riot defendant, is set to lead a permitted rally titled “March Against Minnesota Fraud” in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood this Saturday.
While organizers describe the event as peaceful, community leaders have voiced serious concerns, bringing Lang’s background and political journey back into the spotlight.
Who Is Jake Lang?
Jake Lang is a right-wing political activist best known for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Federal authorities charged Lang with 11 criminal offenses linked to the riot, including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, and assaulting law enforcement officers. Prosecutors alleged he attacked police officers using a baseball bat and a riot shield during the breach of the Capitol.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Lang never faced trial. He spent nearly four years in pretrial detention, during which he repeatedly delayed court proceedings. His legal situation ended abruptly in January 2025, when President Donald Trump issued a sweeping pardon covering nearly 1,600 January 6 defendants, including Lang.
Since his release, Lang has re-emerged as a prominent far-right voice, often referring to himself as a “January 6 political prisoner” and positioning his detention as political persecution.
Why Is Jake Lang in Minneapolis?
Lang is organizing the “March Against Minnesota Fraud”, which is scheduled to take place in and around Minneapolis City Hall. According to the permit application, Lang received official authorization for the rally, which he describes as a peaceful protest aimed at uniting Christian and conservative voices.
However, the rally’s planned location near Cedar-Riverside — a diverse neighborhood with a large Muslim population — has alarmed residents and leaders.
In a statement, a coalition of community leaders warned, “A group of racist and anti-Muslim agitators may be coming to Cedar Riverside on Saturday, January 17th. Their goal is to create chaos and cause violence in our community.”
Community Response and Security Measures
Local organizations have mobilized to prevent tensions from escalating. Community patrollers and religious leaders will be present, alongside law enforcement, to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
“There will also be community patrollers in yellow vests, religious leaders in orange vests, the sheriff, and MPD monitoring and responding to potential threats.”
Authorities have emphasized that the rally is permitted but say they will respond swiftly to any violations or threats to public order.
Jake Lang’s Political Ambitions
Beyond street protests, Lang has set his sights on electoral politics. He is currently running for the US Senate in Florida, framing his campaign around claims of government overreach, immigration crackdowns, and opposition to what he calls “elite corruption.”
Lang previously hosted a podcast focused on the January 6 attack, using it as a platform to challenge official narratives and amplify far-right viewpoints. His rhetoric frequently targets immigrants and Muslim communities, making his involvement in Minneapolis particularly sensitive.
Why Jake Lang Remains a Polarizing Figure
Lang’s story reflects a broader shift in American politics, where figures once sidelined by criminal charges now leverage controversy to gain visibility and influence. Supporters view him as a symbol of resistance against the federal government, while critics see him as a provocateur who thrives on division.
As Minneapolis braces for Saturday’s rally, attention remains firmly on Lang — a man whose past continues to shape debates about protest, accountability, and extremism in the United States.
