MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A “Crusader March” led by January 6 rioter and conservative influencer Jake Lang spiraled into a violent confrontation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, leaving Lang hospitalized and the city of Minneapolis on edge. The event, held in a city already reeling from the federal killing of Renee Good earlier this month, became a flashpoint as hundreds of counter-protesters swamped a tiny contingent of far-right activists.
The Spark: “Crusader March” Meets Radical Resistance
Lang, a Florida-based Senate candidate who was pardoned by President Trump in early 2025, arrived in Minneapolis to lead what he termed a “March Against Minnesota Fraud.” Promoting the event on social media, Lang used inflammatory rhetoric targeting the city’s Somali and Muslim communities, even vowing to “burn a Quran” on the steps of City Hall.
The provocation drew a massive response. As Lang and roughly ten supporters arrived at the municipal government center, they were immediately met by a crowd of hundreds organized by the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump.
The Clash: Scuffles and “Lynching” Claims
The situation turned physical within minutes. Counter-protesters, chanting for federal agents to leave the city, surged forward, pressing Lang’s group against the walls of the courthouse. Videos circulating on social media captured the following:
- Physical Assaults: Lang was seen being dragged and kicked by protesters. One video appears to show him being struck in the head with a flagpole in a nearby parking garage.
- Tactics of Humiliation: Counter-protesters reportedly forced at least one demonstrator to strip off a shirt they deemed offensive. Water balloons and snowballs were hurled at Lang’s group in sub-zero temperatures.
- The Escape: Lang eventually fled the scene in a vehicle, visibly bleeding from the back of his head. He later posted photos from a hospital showing staples being placed in his skull.
On social media, Lang claimed he was “literally lynched” and “nearly ripped limb from limb” by what he described as an “anti-white mob.” He also alleged a stabbing attempt, though he claimed his protective vest blocked the blade. Minneapolis police noted they were aware of his posts but stated that no official report had been filed by Lang as of Sunday afternoon.
Context: A City Under Federal Siege
The violence did not occur in a vacuum. Tensions in Minnesota have reached a breaking point following the January 7 killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and local poet, by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
| Key Context | Details |
| The Good Shooting | Good was shot while observing an ICE raid from her car; federal officials claim self-defense, while local leaders call it “murder.” |
| Federal Presence | Over 2,000 federal officers have been deployed to the Twin Cities as part of a “Metro Surge” immigration crackdown. |
| Political Rift | Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz have ordered federal agents to leave, while the White House has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. |
Aftermath and Escalation
Following the clash, Lang launched a GiveSendGo fundraiser for his medical bills, which has already raised several thousand dollars. Meanwhile, Governor Walz has mobilized the National Guard to stand ready, though they have not yet been deployed to the streets
The incident has only deepened the divide between the city’s leadership and the federal government. As rumors of further “Crusader” marches circulate, residents of Minneapolis’ “Little Somalia” neighborhood remain on high alert, vowing to blockade their streets against future incursions.
Minneapolis Protests: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Jake Lang carry out his plan to burn a Quran?
No. While Lang announced on social media that he intended to burn a Quran on the steps of City Hall, he was unable to do so. Within minutes of arriving, Lang and his small group of roughly ten supporters were overwhelmed and chased away by hundreds of counter-protesters before the demonstration could officially begin.
2. Was Jake Lang seriously injured or “lynched”?
Lang claimed on social media that he was “literally lynched” and “nearly ripped limb from limb.” However, Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officials stated that they have no reports of serious injuries from the protest.
- Confirmed Injuries: Visuals from the scene show Lang with bruises and a head wound. He later posted photos from a hospital showing he received medical staples for a scalp injury.
- Unverified Claims: Lang claimed he was stabbed but saved by a protective vest. These claims have not been verified by law enforcement or independent medical reports.
3. Why are people protesting in Minneapolis right now?
While the January 17 rally was organized by Lang to support ICE, the city has been in a state of civil unrest for nearly two weeks following the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good.
- The Victim: Good was a 37-year-old poet, mother of three, and U.S. citizen.
- The Incident: She was shot and killed by ICE Agent Jonathan Ross during an immigration raid in South Minneapolis. Local officials state she was acting as a peaceful “legal observer,” while federal officials allege her vehicle threatened an officer.
- The “Metro Surge”: Tensions are high due to the deployment of over 2,000 federal agents to the city as part of a massive deportation operation.
4. Were there any arrests made during the weekend clashes?
No. Despite the physical nature of the confrontation at City Hall, the MPD confirmed that no arrests were made downtown on Saturday. Furthermore, no formal assault reports were filed by Lang or his supporters with the local police.
5. Is the National Guard active in Minneapolis?
Governor Tim Walz mobilized the Minnesota National Guard on Friday, January 16, to support state and local law enforcement. While they are “staged and ready,” they have not yet been deployed to city streets for active crowd control. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has placed 1,500 active-duty U.S. soldiers on “prepare-to-deploy” orders in case the situation escalates further.
6. What is the “People’s Action Coalition Against Trump”?
This is the primary group that organized the counter-protest against Jake Lang. Their stated goal is to drive federal agents out of Minnesota and provide community protection for neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside, which house large Somali and Muslim populations.