Authorities have reported that a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd during a Los Angeles protest supporting Iranian anti-regime activists, injuring one person. The driver of the truck has been apprehended.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that the incident took place around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday on Veteran Avenue, close to the Federal Building in Westwood.
In a statement, the LAPD detailed, “At approximately 1530 hours, the driver of a U-Haul truck collided with individuals marching along Veteran Avenue in the area of the Federal Building.”
The driver, described as an adult male, has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.
Reports indicate that one individual was hit by the vehicle and received on-site treatment.
The LAPD confirmed, “At this time, one person was confirmed struck by the vehicle (an adult male); however, no significant injuries have been reported.” They added that a Rescue Ambulance provided treatment at the scene without the need for hospital transport.
Hundreds of people had gathered in the Westwood neighborhood as part of a march backing protesters in Iran, local outlet NBC4 Los Angeles reported.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a U-Haul truck moving quickly through a dense crowd as people screamed. In one video, a person appeared to hang onto the side of the vehicle and bang on a window as it continued moving.
A banner displayed on the side of the truck read, in all capital letters, “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” along with another banner written in a foreign language.
Additional video appeared to show the driver being punched as several people tried to pull him from the large truck. The vehicle’s windows were also smashed, according to NBC4 Los Angeles.
Law enforcement has not yet released the driver’s identity.
In this frame grab from video obtained by the AP outside Iran, a masked demonstrator holds a picture of Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP)
The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have spread nationwide, evolving into a direct challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 583 people have been killed since unrest erupted in Iran two weeks ago.
Solidarity protests with Iranian demonstrators have also emerged in major European cities, including Paris and Berlin. A protest also took place outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
