U-Haul Driver in Los Angeles Charged with Disrupting Protest Taking Place in the Middle of The Street

Los Angeles — A chaotic scene unfolded in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon when the driver of a U-Haul box truck was taken into custody after the vehicle collided with protesters during a large demonstration in solidarity with anti-regime protesters in Iran.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near Veteran Avenue and the Wilshire Federal Building, where thousands had gathered to support the ongoing demonstrations in Iran against the Islamic Republic. Activists report that the crackdown on those protests has resulted in over 500 deaths and thousands of arrests.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the adult male driver of the U-Haul truck "collided with individuals marching" in the area. Video footage from the scene shows the truck moving through the crowded street as demonstrators scattered, screamed, and eventually surrounded the vehicle. Protesters smashed the truck's windows, tore down banners (including one reading "NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH"), and attempted to pull the driver out, with some striking him as officers intervened.

The driver was detained pending further investigation, and authorities — including the FBI, which is assisting the LAPD — are working to determine the motive. Sources indicate the man sustained injuries during the confrontation and was treated at a hospital. He is likely to face charges including assault with a deadly weapon.

Injuries on the ground were minimal: The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that one or two individuals were evaluated at the scene for being struck by the vehicle, but both declined further medical treatment, with no serious harm or hospital transports reported.

The rally, which drew an estimated crowd of several thousand in one of the largest Iranian-American communities outside Iran, had been peaceful until the truck's entry. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass arrived at the scene later and emphasized the need for peaceful expression amid highly charged international events. 17GEN4.com