Los Angeles Iran Protest Turns Violent as Truck Drives Into Crowd
A peaceful demonstration in Los Angeles turned chaotic on Sunday when a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of protesters. The rally drew hundreds of people expressing solidarity with anti-regime protests in Iran.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Westwood
Video footage and eyewitness accounts show the truck entering the protest area around 3:30 PM. Protesters scrambled out of the way as the vehicle moved through the street. The incident occurred during a demonstration in Westwood, part of global protests by Iranian communities.
After the truck entered the crowd, many protesters swarmed the vehicle. People surrounded the truck, smashed its windows, and attempted to remove signs from its side. Some demonstrators tried to pull the driver out of the vehicle and struck it with flagpoles.
Police Response and Investigation
Los Angeles police officers stopped the vehicle several blocks away and took the driver into custody. Authorities eventually escorted the driver away as the situation remained tense at the scene.
Captain Mike Bland of the LAPD confirmed that an adult male driver was detained pending further investigation. He stated the incident is under review and could lead to assault charges, with the vehicle being treated as a possible deadly weapon.
One person was struck by the truck but did not suffer serious injuries. Others declined medical transport after being checked by emergency crews. The identity of the driver remains undisclosed as of Monday.
Political Context and Global Reactions
The truck displayed political slogans referencing Iran's 1953 coup. Officials have not called the event a terrorist act. Law enforcement has asked for witness footage and statements to help clarify what occurred.
The protest was part of a wave of demonstrations by Iranian communities and supporters across the world. These demonstrations react to protests and a harsh government response in Iran itself.
Unrest in the Middle East has drawn global attention. Many in the diaspora are calling for change and an end to violent crackdowns under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Los Angeles police continue to investigate the incident. They are working to determine the driver's motives and whether any additional charges will be filed.
