Anti-Islam activists and pro-Muslim counter-protesters collided in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday, forcing police to swarm the streets. The city, home to one of the nation’s largest Muslim populations, has become a frequent target for activists who argue it's drifting toward “Sharia law,” according to MLive. Tensions have been building for months — and this time, they boiled over fast.
The clash kicked off when Jake Lang — a Jan. 6 participant — showed up on Michigan Avenue and tried to burn a Quran. Lang held up a lighter and attempted to ignite the book, but counter-protesters immediately knocked it out of his hands. Chaos erupted as the crowd reacted to the stunt.
Lang then escalated the situation by slapping the Quran with a slab of bacon. A counter-protester grabbed the book and sprinted off with it. The stunt drew loud outrage from the crowd and intensified the confrontation.
After the failed burn attempt, Lang and his group marched toward City Hall before the Tuesday night council meeting. Police lined the sidewalks and Michigan Avenue, keeping both sides separated. Officers stepped in briefly after the clash intensified.
One person was seen being arrested at City Hall, MLive reported. Police said there were no injuries despite the heated back-and-forth. The heavy law enforcement presence kept the situation from spiraling further.
Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel blasted the incident. “Attempting to burn a religious document is an unacceptable act of hate,” Hertel said. He called Dearborn a multicultural city filled with “cherished friends, family members, and neighbors.”
Meanwhile, Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson walked with supporters in what appeared to be a separate demonstration. Hudson had originally billed a Dearborn protest as an “American Crusade” against “Muslim infiltration” and “Sharia Law,” according to CAIR-MI. But after visiting three mosques, Hudson reversed course.
Hudson said he found only “hospitality” in Dearborn, not the danger some claimed. He rejected the idea of outsiders coming to the city to burn Qurans. His tone surprised many watching the unfolding tension.
CAIR-MI praised Hudson for backing away from “fearmongering.” Executive Director Dawud Walid said Hudson was welcome to continue learning about Islam and “false narratives” spread for political gain. The group framed his reversal as a positive step.
Lang didn’t take Hudson's shift well. He spray-painted the word “cuck” on Hudson’s campaign bus, accusing him of “selling out,” according to MLive. The message made clear the activist wasn’t backing down.