DALLAS, TEXAS — Jake Lang, a 31-year-old political influencer, was arrested in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday after arriving by air. The Texas Department of Public Safety charged him with one third-degree felony count of making a terroristic threat, and Lang was booked into the Dallas County Jail.
Lang published a video on X claiming to call from the Dallas County Jail, where he discussed the specifics of his arrest. "They've arrested me for a felony, what's called terroristic threats, simply because I said that if the jury did not find Karmelo Anthony guilty, that we the people will deal with justice." Lang stated. He also claimed that his bail was set at $1 million.
"This is a classic case of lawfare used to squash a First Amendment protester like myself." Lang stated. Andrew Anthony, father of Karmelo Anthony, said, "I feel somewhat relieved that Lang was arrested." He added, "We have got a long journey ahead of us."
During the murder trial of Anthony, Lang was photographed and recorded outside the Collin County courthouse. Andrew Anthony previously alleged that Lang threatened to shoot Anthony in the head if a conviction was not secured.
Lang has faced other legal issues. He was arrested in Frisco, Texas, on a trespassing charge. In March, he was arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota, for allegedly damaging a sculpture on the Minnesota Capitol steps that reads prosecute ICE. Lang's trial for the Minnesota charge is scheduled for next month. In 2021, Lang was indicted on 11 federal counts related to the January 6 riot, including assault on an officer and civil disorder. He was awaiting trial when President Donald Trump pardoned him.
Lang organized a public demonstration in support of Austin Metcalf after a stabbing. A flyer for this demonstration displayed a photo of Metcalf paired with the text "Protect White Americans." Anthony's family reported receiving death threats containing racial references following his conviction. Jeff Metcalf, father of Austin Metcalf, has publicly requested that the public avoid escalating racial tensions regarding his son's death. "I forgive Karmelo Anthony." Jeff Metcalf said.