{“title”:”U-Haul Rams Iran Solidarity March”,”body”:”At a Glance
– A U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday
– At least two people were examined by paramedics but refused transport; the adult-male driver was detained
– Demonstrators chased the truck, smashed its windows, and pulled the driver out before police arrived
– The FBI has joined LAPD to determine motive as hundreds marched for Iranian victims of a deadly crackdown
Why it matters: The incident unfolded during a global show of support for Iranians facing rising death tolls and economic collapse, raising safety concerns for local solidarity protests.
A U-Haul truck plowed into a crowd of demonstrators marching in support of Iranian protesters in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, prompting a federal investigation and chaotic scenes captured on cellphone video.
The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Veteran Avenue near the Federal Building in Westwood, where hundreds had gathered to voice solidarity with Iranians facing a violent government crackdown.
## Driver Detained After Truck Slams Marchers
“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,” LAPD Captain Mike Bland wrote in a statement.
Cellphone footage shows protesters sprinting after the moving truck, hurling objects and trying to force the vehicle to stop. Several demonstrators surrounded the cab, yanked the driver out, and began punching him before officers intervened.
The U-Haul sustained multiple shattered windows during the confrontation, its windshield and side panels cracked by rocks, bottles, and fists.
## Minimal Injuries, No Hospital Transports
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel evaluated at least two people on scene, according to spokespersons. Both declined medical transportation and remained with the march.
No fatalities were reported. Authorities have not released the names or conditions of those examined.
## Federal Agents Probe Motive
The FBI is coordinating with LAPD and the United States Attorney’s Office to establish why the driver entered the crowd.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed federal involvement, telling News Of Fort Worth investigators are working to determine whether the act was intentional or related to the protest’s theme.
No charges have been announced. The driver’s identity has not been released.
## March Honors Iranian Dead
Sunday’s demonstration drew hundreds to the Westwood Federal Building, one of several worldwide rallies condemning Iran’s lethal response to domestic unrest.
Protesters waved Iranian flags and chanted slogans against Tehran’s leadership. Organizers said they aimed to keep global attention on the crisis.
## Death Toll Mounts in Iran
At least 583 people have been killed since nationwide protests began two weeks ago over economic collapse and political repression, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The figure includes civilians shot by security forces and others who died in custody. Demonstrators in Los Angeles carried placards bearing some of the victims’ names.
## Witnesses Describe Panic
Mike Hirad, who walked near the front of the march, said he heard screams and saw bodies scatter as the truck accelerated.
“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,” Hirad told News Of Fort Worth.
He said protesters formed a human chain to block further movement until police arrived within minutes.
## Demonstrators Stress Peaceful Intent
Many in the crowd emphasized their rally was non-violent and aimed at highlighting human-rights abuses.
“Came out here to show our solidarity with the people of Iran, our homeland. I was born there,” participant Romina Tabibiazar said.
Organizers have held similar events across California and plan additional vigils. They called Sunday’s collision an isolated disruption.
## LAPD Urges Calm
Captain Bland asked witnesses to submit video and photos to assist the ongoing investigation. He praised officers for quickly separating the driver from angry protesters.
Traffic along Veteran Avenue was restricted for roughly two hours while evidence technicians documented skid marks and debris.
## Federal Building Area on Alert
Security around the Federal Building has increased since previous political demonstrations. Additional LAPD units patrolled the vicinity after the incident.
Authorities have not said whether the location was targeted or simply on the march route.
## Global Solidarity Movement Grows
Iranian expatriates and allies have staged rallies in Europe, Australia, and North America since protests erupted inside Iran over soaring food prices and civil-rights restrictions.
Activists abroad hope sustained international pressure will push Tehran to ease its crackdown.
## Key Takeaways
– The U-Haul driver is in custody as LAPD and FBI probe whether the collision was deliberate
– Two people were examined by LAFD but declined hospital care; no deaths occurred
– Protesters chased and stopped the truck, shattering its windows before police intervened
– Sunday’s march was part of worldwide demonstrations backing Iranians amid reports of 583 deaths in two weeks”,”meta_description”:”U-Haul driver detained after striking Iranian solidarity protesters in LA; FBI joins LAPD to determine motive amid global outrage over Iran crackdown.”,”categories”:[“Breaking News”,”World News”]}
