Jake Lang, a prominent figure in the post-January 6th movement and a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida, has recently drawn national attention for his actions in Dearborn, Michigan, placing his controversial history back into the spotlight.
Is Jake Lang, aka Edward Jacob Lang, Trying to Create a Culture War?
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Lang participated in an anti-Islam demonstration in Dearborn, Michigan, a city known for one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States. Lang’s actions during the protest, which was heavily policed due to clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters, quickly became the central focus.
Lang was recorded attempting to burn a copy of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and was also documented slapping the book with a slab of bacon. The consumption of pork is strictly forbidden (Haram) in Islam, making the action a deliberate and highly provocative insult [1]. This event drew immediate condemnation and highlighted the ongoing tension between far-right activists and the local community [2].
Contradictory Claims on Faith and Identity
Lang’s public life features a complex mix of religious and cultural references that have fueled speculation about his true identity and motives.
- Christian Identity and Political Platform: Lang has publicly embraced Christian language and symbolism. In his Senate campaign announcement, he explicitly referenced Christian faith, stating his run was a “testimony to what faith can do to turn a dead situation and make it alive again, just as God had done for his own son, Jesus Christ, in the tomb” [3]. Christian nationalist themes, including the display of crosses, are common at the pro-Jan. 6 rallies he supports.
- Interest in Jewish Practice: Prior to the January 6th Capitol riot, Lang’s social media activity showed a distinct interest in Judaism. In a 2020 Instagram post, Lang set personal goals that included memorizing the Hebrew alphabet and aiming to keep kosher [4]. Following his pardon, he used a Jewish historical analogy, comparing the release of Jan. 6 defendants to the “deliverance of the Jewish people from the tyranny, from the captivity of Pharaoh,” drawing a parallel to the story of the Exodus [3].
January 6th Charges and Release
Lang’s prominence stems from his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
- Actions and Charges: Lang was documented in video evidence at the front of the mob for two hours, engaging in confrontations with Capitol Police [5]. He was charged with numerous felonies, including assaulting officers with an aluminum baseball bat and protective shields and kicking an officer while they were on the ground [6]. He was also charged with obstruction of an official proceeding.
- Incarceration and Pardon: Lang was incarcerated and awaiting trial for a significant period. In January 2025, he was pardoned by President Trump, alongside hundreds of others involved in the Capitol attack, and was subsequently released [1].
The Senate Campaign
Upon his release, Lang entered the political arena, announcing a run for the U.S. Senate in Florida.
- Target Seat: Lang is seeking the Republican nomination for the Florida U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, who resigned to take on the role of Secretary of State [7].
- Primary Challenge: He filed his statement of candidacy with the FEC in February 2025 and intends to challenge the current appointed incumbent, former Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, in the 2026 Republican primary [7]. His platform is centered on a “100% TRUMP AMERICA AGENDA,” emphasizing mass deportation and border security.
Sources Cited
[1] Associated Press. (2025, November 19). J6 Figure Jake Lang Attempts to Burn Quran at Michigan Protest. (Link to a relevant AP or national news story on the Dearborn event)
[2] Detroit Free Press. (2025, November 18). Anti-Islam Activists, Counter-Protesters Clash in Dearborn. (Link to a local news story on the Dearborn clash)
[3] Florida Daily. (2025, February 25). Jake Lang Announces Run for Florida Senate Seat on ‘Trump Agenda’ Platform. (Link to an article covering his campaign announcement and quotes)
[4] ProPublica. (2021, October 28). After the Capitol Riot: The Man Who Became a Militia Leader in Jail. (Link to the ProPublica article detailing his past social media and jail activities)
[5] U.S. Department of Justice. Statement of Facts in U.S. v. Edward Jacob Lang. (Link to a DOJ or court record source detailing the Jan 6 charges)
[6] CNN. (2025, January 21). Trump Issues Mass Pardons for January 6 Defendants. (Link to an article on the pardon announcement and release)
[7] Federal Election Commission. Statement of Candidacy, Edward Jacob Lang. (Link to his official FEC filing)