Minneapolis protest erupts into riot involving Spider-Man costume

A political demonstration in Minneapolis involving far-right activist Jake Lang escalated into a riot on August 22, 2026, near City Hall. The incident gained widespread attention after a man dressed in a Spider-Man costume, identified by authorities as 33-year-old William Nicholas Love, climbed onto the back of a vehicle associated with Lang and engaged in a physical confrontation with the activist.

According to the Minneapolis Police Department, Lang and several others arrived in two vehicles that moved onto the sidewalk toward a crowd of counterprotesters. The situation turned violent, involving the use of chemical irritants such as mace or pepper spray. Police reported that three officers were injured during the unrest, with one requiring hospitalization.

Authorities arrested 11 individuals in connection with the incident. Lang faces potential felony or gross misdemeanor riot charges. Love was also detained and faced charges related to misdemeanor assault. Following the event, a GoFundMe campaign for Love reportedly raised approximately $38,000 to assist with legal expenses.