A Trump-pardoned January 6 rioter showed up at the BET Awards and quickly learned he was not welcome. Jake Lang was confronted by protesters outside the ceremony and fled the scene in a moment caught on viral video.
What Happened
Lang, who was pardoned by Donald Trump after being held for years on charges related to the Capitol riot, appeared outside the BET Awards venue. Protesters recognized him and confronted him directly, asking why he was there and making it clear he was not welcome at a celebration of Black culture.
Video shows Lang quickly retreating from the confrontation and leaving the area.
The Backlash
The clip went viral immediately, with viewers questioning why a pardoned Capitol rioter would show up at the BET Awards in the first place. Many pointed out the irony of someone associated with a movement widely seen as hostile to Black Americans appearing at one of the biggest celebrations of Black entertainment.
Bottom Line
Jake Lang found out the hard way that a presidential pardon does not come with public acceptance. The BET Awards crowd let him know exactly how they felt.
