In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, a demonstration led by Florida Senate candidate Jacob Lang turned violent, leaving Lang injured. Lang had organized an anti-fraud rally in downtown Minneapolis, which coincided with a larger anti-ICE protest. The situation escalated when Lang, using a microphone, made provocative comments about Somali immigrants, which incited a strong reaction from counter-protesters.
The two groups' stark opposition set the stage for a tense confrontation. Video evidence shows Lang being forcibly dragged by one individual into the crowd, followed by another person landing punches toward his head. Subsequently, Lang was observed with a significant line of blood trailing down his neck. The full extent of his injuries has not been disclosed, and it is unknown if any arrests have been made in connection with the altercation.
Minneapolis police, anticipating unrest, had deployed SWAT teams and armored vehicles in preparation for the protests. Lang's group, named the March Against Minnesota Fraud, was dwarfed in size by the anti-ICE demonstrators, numbering around a dozen compared to the larger opposing presence.
Lang is a contentious figure with a history linked to the January 6 Capitol protest, having served time in jail before receiving a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump. He has since referred to himself as a political prisoner. His planned protest route from Minneapolis City Hall to the Cedar Riverside neighborhood, known for its Somali immigrant community, included threats to burn copies of the Quran, igniting further tensions.
The backdrop to these demonstrations is a fraught atmosphere in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which has led to ongoing protests against the President's immigration enforcement policies. President Trump has responded by deploying ICE and Border Patrol agents to Minnesota, a move Lang has vocally supported.
Lang, seeking to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Marco Rubio, has become more notable for his involvement in controversy than for his policy positions. His campaign comes at a time when Minneapolis is grappling with heightened political and social unrest.
