(SEATTLE, WA, 11/8/26) – The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a racist, xenophobic and anti-Hindu disruption of by far-right activists of a community Diwali celebration at the Seattle Center Armory.
The far-right activists stormed the cultural gathering carrying hateful placards bearing explicit racial slurs and xenophobic conspiracy theories, including signs reading “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) denounced the incident, posted on X:
“I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display. Diwali is an important holiday and our community should feel safe to celebrate it. This hateful display has no place in our city or this country.”
In a statement, Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA’s Executive Director, said:
“Hate speech, xenophobic harassment, and targeting of minority religious groups run counter to the fundamental values of our region and nation. We urge community members to remain vigilant against the rising bigotry targeting minority communities we are witnessing nationwide and reaffirm our shared commitment to standing united against racism, bigotry, and hate in all its forms.”
He noted that earlier this month, CAIR decried white supremacist rhetorical and financial support for a Montana man accused of targeting a man of Indian (South Asian) descent in a biased-motivated assault in downtown Helena.
Washington, D.C.-based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.