The U-Haul driver who claimed to support Iranian protesters in Westwood was forced to flee after a confrontation with demonstrators, leading to his arrest for reckless driving. The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon near the Federal Building at Veteran Avenue and Ohio Avenue, a spot known for the largest Iranian community outside Iran. The driver said his intention was misunderstood and that he never meant to hurt anyone.
At a Glance
- U-Haul driver’s attempt to join protest turns violent
- Protesters scrambled as truck entered area
- Driver claims peaceful message, no ties to Mojahedin
- Arrest for reckless driving earlier that week
The Incident
The confrontation began as the driver parked his truck and stepped out to join the crowd. According to Calor Madaneschtalor, the pro-Shah group attacked him, violently striking him and breaking windows. The truck carried messages on its sides calling for freedom, dignity, and equal rights for everyone. Madaneschtalor insisted he had no relation to the Mojahedin, a known terrorist group, and that his signs were a repetition of the Iranian people’s pleas. After the attack, Madaneschtalor said he had to drive away to save his life. He described the incident as a misunderstanding, claiming he never intended to harm anyone. The protest itself featured Iranian flags from before the Islamic Revolution, indicating a historical context for the demonstrators. The demonstration was directed against the current Iranian regime. Police had already booked Madaneschtalor for reckless driving earlier that week, a charge unrelated to the protest.
Driver’s Claims
Calor Madaneschtalor told NBC Los Angeles that his initial plan was to park and join protesters in solidarity. He wanted to show support for the Iranian people. He said, “As I parked, the pro-Shah group attacked me,” adding, “(They) violently started hitting me. Broken windows, shattered inside. Coming inside, punching me.” Madaneschtalor emphasized that he is a freedom fighter and human rights activist, not supporting either the current Khomeini regime or the Shah’s rule. He insisted his message was simply a reflection of the Iranian people’s demands. He added, “I’m a freedom fighter. I’m a human rights activist,” and that “My signs are call for freedom, dignity and equal rights for everyone.”
Protesters’ Reaction
Some demonstrators demanded a terrorism charge against Madaneschtalor, citing the truck’s slogans and the violent encounter. Others argued that the driver’s presence was a form of peaceful protest, though the confrontation escalated quickly. The crowd’s reaction reflected deep divisions within the Iranian diaspora over how best to oppose the regime.
Legal Outcome
The Los Angeles Police Department booked Madaneschtalor for reckless driving earlier that week, a charge that had no direct link to the protest incident. No terrorism charges were filed, and the driver remains under arrest for the reckless driving offense.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday afternoon | Truck enters protest area, confrontation begins |
| Thursday | Driver states intention misunderstood |
| Earlier that week | Arrest for reckless driving |
Key Takeaways
- A large box truck entered a protest in Westwood, sparking a violent clash.
- The driver claimed his message was peaceful and had no ties to terrorist groups.
- Police arrested the driver for reckless driving, not for terrorism.
- The incident highlights tensions within the Iranian community in Los Angeles.
- The driver’s statements were made on Thursday, clarifying his intent.
