U-Haul Truck Plows through Iran Protest in Los Angeles, Driver Arrested

In a disturbing incident, a U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of Iranian protesters in Los Angeles on Sunday, leading to one person being injured and the driver being arrested. The incident happened amidst a wave of protests in support of anti-regime demonstrators in Iran, happening both within the country and in various locations across the United States.

Background and Context

The protests were sparked by escalating unrest in Iran, where violent clashes between armed protesters and police have prompted warnings from President Donald Trump about a potential forceful U.S. response¹. The demonstrations have reportedly quadrupled in size over the past week¹. In Los Angeles, the protest took a dramatic turn when a U-Haul truck drove into the crowd of demonstrators.

Incident Details

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. along Veteran Avenue near the Federal Building in the Westwood neighborhood². The U-Haul truck, bearing an anti-Shah banner, sped down a street crowded with protesters who were forced to scramble out of the way³. After the truck stopped, an angry crowd attacked it, smashing the windshield and side windows⁴. Some demonstrators tried to strike the driver with flagpoles before police intervened⁵.

The driver, an unidentified adult male, was taken into custody². Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) mentioned that they are looking into assault with a deadly weapon charges⁶.

Reactions and Current Status

Following the incident, the crowd swarmed the truck, with one member of the crowd climbing onto the truck and stomping on its windshield⁵. Others took flagpoles bearing the Iranian flag and stuck them through an open passenger-side window, appearing to jab the suspect⁵. The crowd also tore down a banner on the side of the truck that read, NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH.⁵.

One person was confirmed to have been struck by the vehicle, however, no significant injuries have been reported². A Rescue Ambulance treated the individual at the scene, and no one was transported to the hospital for medical treatment².

The incident comes amidst escalating tensions in Iran, with the country's foreign minister declaring readiness for war but also for dialogue over US threats⁷. The Iranian foreign ministry has also expressed protest against any form of political or information support for rioters in Iran⁸.