Conservative Influencer Claims Stabbing at Minneapolis Protest Amid Rising Tensions

Conservative influencer Jake Lang, who previously served four years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, organized an anti-immigration protest in Minneapolis on Saturday. During the demonstration, Lang reportedly used a microphone to shout slogans such as "Go home, Muslims" and "Send the Somalis back." He also wore a military-style vest and had plans to burn a Quran, though it remains unclear if he carried out the latter. Counter-protesters responded by throwing water balloons and snowballs at Lang and his group. As tensions escalated, Lang attempted to leave the area but was pursued by counter-protesters who pushed and punched him. Lang later claimed on social media that he was stabbed during the altercation, stating that his protective vest blocked the attempt. However, Minneapolis police spokesperson Trevor Folke noted that while authorities are aware of social media accounts of Lang being assaulted, no official report of an attack or alleged stabbing has been filed. This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following the January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. The shooting has sparked ongoing demonstrations and debates over immigration enforcement practices in the city.