U-Haul Driver Says LAPD Directed Him Into Iranian Protest in Los Angeles, Denies Intent to Harm
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The driver of a U-Haul truck that drove through a crowd of Iranian regime protesters in Los Angeles last weekend has spoken out, asserting that Los Angeles Police Department officers waved him into the protest and that he never intended to cause harm. Calor Madanescht, 48, was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving following the incident, which left demonstrators confronting him and damaging his vehicle.
According to Madanescht, he was attempting to join the protest peacefully when an LAPD officer directed him onto the avenue crowded with demonstrators. “I had no intention to hit anybody,” Madanescht told FOX11 Los Angeles. He said he was subsequently attacked by a pro-Shah faction within the protest, prompting him to drive through the crowd in fear for his safety.
Video footage from the scene shows protesters surrounding the U-Haul truck, smashing its windshield and striking the vehicle with flagpoles until police intervened. The incident occurred during an anti-Iranian regime gathering that has drawn significant attention amid ongoing tensions related to Iran’s political unrest. The demonstration was part of a broader wave of protests by Iranian expatriates and supporters opposing the current regime, which has been criticized internationally for violent crackdowns on dissent.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not publicly confirmed the claim that officers waved the driver into the crowd, but authorities arrested Madanescht on suspicion of reckless driving. The LAPD has a history of managing large-scale protests in the city, often coordinating with community leaders to ensure safety and order. The department’s approach to crowd control and traffic management has been scrutinized in past demonstrations, including those related to immigration and civil rights.
This incident comes amid heightened awareness of the risks faced by both protesters and bystanders during mass demonstrations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that large gatherings can escalate quickly, requiring careful law enforcement strategies to prevent injury and maintain peace.
Madanescht expressed remorse over the event, stating, “All I want is peace.” He also showed injuries he claims were inflicted by demonstrators after the truck entered the crowd. The clash underscores the volatility of protests involving deeply polarized groups, such as pro- and anti-Shah factions within the Iranian diaspora.
Los Angeles has been a focal point for Iranian-American activism, with many residents voicing strong opinions on the situation in Iran. The city’s role as a hub for political expression is well documented by the Los Angeles Police Department and community organizations. Meanwhile, federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security monitor such events for potential security concerns.
As investigations continue, the incident raises questions about police crowd management and the safety of drivers and protesters alike. The Office of Justice Programs provides guidelines on law enforcement best practices during demonstrations, emphasizing de-escalation and clear communication.
For now, Madanescht remains in custody, and authorities are reviewing footage and eyewitness accounts to determine the full circumstances that led to the confrontation. The community awaits further details as tensions surrounding Iran’s political turmoil continue to reverberate across Los Angeles and beyond.
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