Tuesday, January 13, 2026- A chaotic scene unfolded Sunday afternoon in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles when a U‑Haul truck drove into a large crowd of demonstrators gathered for an anti‑Iranian regime rally.
The protest, part of a wave of global demonstrations in solidarity with ongoing unrest in Iran, turned violent as the vehicle pressed into the group of marchers on Veteran Avenue near the federal building, causing panic and forcing people to scatter.
Police detained the adult male driver on the scene, and authorities are investigating the incident as a potential assault with a dangerous weapon. At least one person was struck, though serious injuries were not reported, and two others evaluated by paramedics declined further treatment.
Witnesses and video footage showed the truck rapidly moving into the crowd before it was eventually stopped by officers several blocks away. Protesters swarmed around the vehicle, damaging its windshield and confronting the driver amid intense shouting and confusion.
A banner attached to the truck referenced political slogans opposing both the Iranian regime and the Shah, indicating complex messaging even as the motive behind the driver’s actions remains under investigation. Both the LAPD and FBI are involved in probing the case to determine whether it was politically motivated or a reckless driving incident.
The protests in Los Angeles draw from a larger international movement responding to Iran’s internal crackdown and calls for regime change. This incident highlights increasing tensions at demonstrations abroad, particularly in communities with large Iranian diasporas. As law enforcement reviews the motivations and charges against the driver, local leaders are urging calm while stressing the importance of public safety amid deeply emotional political expression.
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