At a Glance
- A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of Iranian solidarity protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
- The driver, an adult male, was detained and later arrested on suspicion of reckless driving.
- At least two people were evaluated for injuries but refused transport to hospital.
- The FBI is assisting local police to determine a motive.
Why it matters: The incident highlights growing tensions at U.S. demonstrations tied to Iran’s deadly crackdown on domestic protests.
A U-Haul truck plowed through a group marching in support of Iranian demonstrators Sunday afternoon in Westwood, prompting a chaotic scene, multiple broken windows, and a joint FBI-LAPD investigation.
The collision occurred as hundreds walked along Veteran Avenue near the Federal Building, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Driver Detained After Collision
LAPD Captain Mike Bland confirmed the basic facts in a brief statement:
“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 arrested the man on suspicion of reckless driving. His name has not been released.
Witnesses Describe Panic
Cellphone footage shows protesters surrounding the truck, smashing windows, and pulling the driver from the cab after the vehicle came to a stop.
“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,” said protester Mike Hirad.
Demonstrators also tried to tear off a sign affixed to the truck that read:
- “No Shah. No Regime.”
- “USA: Don’t Repeat 1953.”
- “No Mullah.”
The sign references the 1953 coup that removed Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and the 1979 revolution that ended the reign of the Shah.
Minor Injuries Reported
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel evaluated at least two people at the scene. Both declined medical transport, according to department spokespersons.
No other injuries have been disclosed.
Federal Involvement
The FBI is working with local law enforcement to determine the driver’s motive, United States Attorney Bill Essayli told News Of Fort Worth.
Authorities have not classified the incident as a hate crime or an act of terrorism, pending further investigation.
Protesters Demand Justice
Sunday’s march drew hundreds to Westwood in a show of solidarity with Iranians protesting economic hardship and political repression.
“Came out here to show our solidarity with the people of Iran, our homeland. I was born there,” said demonstrator Romina Tabibiazar.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates at least 583 people have been killed inside Iran since unrest erupted two weeks ago.
Key Takeaways
- The LAPD has detained and arrested the U-Haul driver.
- Two people were examined for injuries but did not go to hospital.
- The FBI is helping determine whether the attack was intentional.
- Protesters say they will continue rallies in support of Iranians facing violent crackdowns.
