At a Glance
- A U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of Iranian solidarity protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Two people were evaluated for injuries but declined transport; the adult male driver was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving.
- Demonstrators chased the truck, smashed its windows, and tried to tear off a sign reading “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.”
- The FBI is assisting local police to determine a motive as nationwide marches back Iranian protesters facing a deadly crackdown.
Why it matters: The incident highlights rising tensions at U.S. rallies supporting Iran’s ongoing uprising that has already claimed more than 580 lives.
A U-Haul truck plowed into hundreds of marchers demonstrating for Iranian civil rights on Sunday afternoon in Westwood, Los Angeles, prompting bystanders to chase the vehicle, smash its windows, and detain the driver until police arrived.
The collision occurred near the Federal Building on Veteran Avenue shortly after 3:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The Driver and Immediate Aftermath
LAPD Captain Mike Bland stated:
> “The driver of a U-Haul truck collided with individuals marching along Veteran Avenue in the area of the Federal Building. The driver (an adult male) has been detained, pending further investigation into the incident.”
Officers later arrested the man on suspicion of reckless driving. Cellphone footage shows protesters surrounding the truck, shattering multiple windows, and attempting to pull the driver out.
Injuries and Medical Response
- At least two people were evaluated by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel.
- Both declined transport to the hospital.
- No fatalities were reported.
Protesters’ Account
Mike Hirad, who marched in the demonstration, described the scene:
> “In front of my eyes, the U-Haul hit people, so we started chasing the U-Haul and were able to get him to stop and we started throwing things at the U-Haul.”
Demonstrators also tried to remove a sign affixed to the truck. The placard read:
“No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.”
The message references the 1953 coup that ousted Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ended the rule of the Shah.
Federal Involvement
The FBI is collaborating with local authorities to establish the driver’s motive, according to United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
Nationwide Solidarity
Sunday’s march drew hundreds to the streets of Westwood in a show of support for Iranians protesting economic collapse and political repression.
Romina Tabibiazar, one of the participants, said:
> “Came out here to show our solidarity with the people of Iran, our homeland. I was born there.”
Casualties in Iran
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports:
| Time Period | Death Toll |
|---|---|
| Since unrest began two weeks ago | 583 |
The agency attributes the fatalities to a harsh crackdown on demonstrations sparked by Iran’s deepening economic crisis.
Local Reaction
Westwood residents expressed shock that a routine rally turned violent on their streets. Police cordoned off Veteran Avenue for several hours while investigators documented skid marks, broken glass, and personal belongings scattered across the pavement.
LAPD has not released the driver’s name or any possible connection to the protest’s theme. Officers urge additional witnesses to come forward with video or statements.
Key Takeaways
- A single U-Haul truck disrupted an otherwise peaceful solidarity march in Los Angeles.
- Quick action by protesters limited further harm and led to the driver’s arrest.
- Federal agencies have joined the inquiry, underscoring the incident’s potential significance amid global attention on Iran.
- Iranian expatriates continue rallying across U.S. cities as deaths mount in their home country.
