At a Glance
- A U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of Iranian solidarity protesters in Westwood at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday
- Two people were evaluated for injuries but declined transport; the driver was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving
- The FBI is assisting local agencies to determine the driver’s motive, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli
- Why it matters: The incident occurred during a demonstration supporting Iranian protesters amid ongoing unrest that has killed at least 583 people in two weeks
Demonstrators marching along Veteran Avenue near the Federal Building were struck by a U-Haul truck during a Sunday afternoon rally in support of Iranian protesters, according to News Of Los Angeles. The collision triggered a chaotic scene that ended with the driver’s arrest and a federal investigation into his intent.
Driver Detained After Truck Enters Crowd
Hundreds had gathered on Veteran Avenue when the box truck entered the protest zone around 3:30 p.m., cellphone video shows. The vehicle pushed through the crowd before demonstrators surrounded it, shattered multiple windows and attempted to pull the driver out.
“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.
Los Angeles police later arrested the man on suspicion of reckless driving. The Los Angeles Fire Department evaluated at least two people for injuries, but both declined medical transport.
Protesters Describe Moments of Impact
Mike Hirad, one of the demonstrators, said he watched the truck strike people and then joined others in chasing it down.
“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 Los Angeles.
Video from the scene shows protesters trying to remove a sign fastened to the truck’s side that read: “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.” The message references the 1953 coup that ousted Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ended the rule of the Shah.
Demonstration Drew Hundreds Supporting Iranian Protesters
The Westwood rally was one of many worldwide showing solidarity with Iranians protesting economic collapse and political repression. At least 583 people have been killed since the unrest began two weeks ago, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Romina Tabibiazar said she joined the march to stand with those facing violence back home.
“Came out here to show our solidarity with the people of Iran, our homeland. I was born there,” Tabibiazar said.
FBI Joins Local Investigation
Federal agents are now working alongside the LAPD to establish what prompted the driver to steer into the crowd, according to United States Attorney Bill Essayli. Authorities have not released the driver’s identity or any suspected motive.
The joint investigation will examine whether the collision was intentional, reckless or accidental, and whether any federal statutes were violated.
Sunday’s incident unfolded as mourners and activists across the globe continue to hold vigils and marches for Iranians killed in the latest wave of protests.
