Tensions erupt in Dearborn streets after anti-Islam activist tries to burn the Quran

DEARBORN, MICHIGAN: Anti-Islam activists and pro-Muslim counter-protesters squared off on the streets of Dearborn on Tuesday, November 18, forcing cops to intervene.

The city, which is home to one of the country’s largest Muslim communities, has recently become a target for activists who claim it’s secretly operating under “Sharia law.”

Jake Lang tries to burn Quran

Jake Lang, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump after being jailed for partaking in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, reportedly parked himself on Michigan Avenue and tried to burn a Quran, according to MLive.

Lang held a lighter up to the holy book, but counter-protesters swarmed and snatched it out of his hands.

Lang later whacked the Quran with a slab of bacon before a counter-protester snatched the book and bolted.

Unfazed, Lang and his crew later marched toward City Hall ahead of the city council meeting.

Police intervene amid street scuffles, shouting matches

By late afternoon, there were multiple clashes on Dearborn’s streets over religion, immigration, and unity. There was some pushing, one punch thrown at an anti-Islam activist, and claims of pepper spray being used. One person reportedly ended up in handcuffs at City Hall.

While no injuries were reported, the police weren’t taking chances. As the crowd around Lang grew around 6 pm, officers rolled out metal barriers. Lang and his supporters were penned in while the pro-Islam crowd yelled at them from the other side.

Cpl Dan Bartok said in a statement to the Detroit Free Press, "For the safety of all involved, we are strongly urging residents to not engage with demonstrators inside the city this evening." He added, "The Dearborn Police Department will continue to monitor activities and are present and stand ready for all situations."

Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel slammed Lang’s stunt. "Attempting to burn a religious document is an unacceptable act of hate," Hertel said, adding that Dearborn is “a beloved, multicultural city with tens of thousands of people who are cherished friends, family members, and neighbors.”

Republican candidate’s 'crusade' falls apart

Meanwhile, Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson made his own cameo as he participated in a sidewalk stroll with supporters. However, his group appeared separate from Lang’s.

Hudson had originally hyped up a protest in Dearborn, branding it an “American Crusade” against “Muslim infiltration” and “Sharia Law,” per a CAIR-MI news release.

But things changed after Hudson visited three mosques in town. According to the release, he came out saying the place had been wildly misrepresented and that all he found from Dearborn’s Muslim community was pure hospitality. He even said he opposed outsiders rolling in just to burn Qurans.

CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid welcomed the sentiment. "We welcome Mr Hudson’s remorse for his admitted fearmongering against the Dearborn community and American Muslims in general," Walid said, adding, "We invite him to further discussions to learn about the Islamic faith and what Muslims generally believe counter to false narratives and misinformation perpetuated by those with political agendas."

Lang wasn’t impressed with Hudson’s change of heart. According to MLive, he grabbed spray paint and scrawled “cuck” on Hudson’s campaign bus in Dearborn, accusing him of “selling out."