U-Haul Truck Drives Through Crowd at Los Angeles Iran Protest, One Injured and Driver Detained
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of demonstrators protesting in support of anti-regime activists in Iran, striking one person near the Federal Building in the Westwood neighborhood on Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detained the driver, an adult male, pending further investigation.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. along Veteran Avenue, where hundreds had gathered to march in solidarity with protesters in Iran. According to an official statement from the LAPD, the driver collided with individuals participating in the march. One adult male was struck and treated at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospital transport, with no significant injuries reported.
Videos circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes as the U-Haul truck moved rapidly through the dense crowd, prompting screams and panic. In one clip, a protester clung to the side of the vehicle, banging on the window as it continued forward. The truck bore a banner reading in capital letters, “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” alongside another banner in a foreign language, signaling the political message behind the protest.
Witnesses reported that after the truck came to a stop, several individuals attempted to pull the driver from the vehicle, with video showing the driver being punched and the truck’s windows smashed. Authorities have not released the identity of the driver or further details about his motives.
The demonstration was part of a broader wave of protests that have swept Iran since late 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances but quickly evolving into widespread calls for regime change. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has documented hundreds of arrests and casualties amid the unrest.
This incident in Los Angeles highlights the tensions surrounding the Iranian diaspora’s activism abroad. The marchers gathered near the Federal Building in Westwood to amplify their voices against the clerical leadership in Tehran, reflecting the ongoing struggle inside Iran where protesters face harsh crackdowns.
The LAPD is continuing its investigation into the incident. The city’s response underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with the right to peaceful assembly, especially during politically charged demonstrations.
For context, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide guidelines on crowd safety and emergency response, which local agencies often reference during large-scale protests. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security monitors domestic incidents that could escalate into broader public safety concerns.
As the situation develops, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incident serves as a reminder of the volatility that can arise when political passions intersect with public demonstrations in urban settings.
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