A chaotic scene unfolded in Los Angeles on Sunday when a rental truck drove into a crowd of protesters demonstrating against the Iranian government, leaving three people injured.
Chaos on Veteran Avenue
The incident occurred in the Westwood district's Veteran Avenue on the afternoon of 12 January 2026. Hundreds had gathered for a peaceful demonstration opposing Iran's Islamic Republic. Eyewitnesses and footage show a white U-Haul truck moving directly into the assembled crowd, sending people fleeing in panic.
Susie Shoshana, who captured the event on her mobile phone, described the moment. "Went to a party on Veteran Avenue, came out and there's the Iran protest march right in front of the building," she said. "Caught on video this a*****e ramming his U-Haul through the protest."
Witnesses reported to GB News that the driver appeared to speed towards protesters holding Iranian flags and seemed intent on forcing his way through the gathering. The truck was notably marked with a large banner reading: "No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don't Repeat 1953. No Mullah."
Driver Apprehended Amidst Violence
After the truck finally came to a stop, it was quickly surrounded by enraged demonstrators. Tensions flared as some individuals began smashing the vehicle's windows. Additional footage shows Los Angeles police officers dragging the driver from the cab of the lorry while onlookers screamed.
As officers led the suspect away, a number of protesters attempted to attack him, throwing punches and swinging flagpoles. Police were forced to intervene further to disperse the crowd and restore order at the scene.
Aftermath and Official Response
The Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed that three individuals were injured after being struck by the truck. The extent of their injuries was not immediately disclosed. The protests in Westwood were part of a series of gatherings across Los Angeles in response to the ongoing unrest in Iran.
The incident, which took place in broad daylight, is now under investigation by local authorities. The motive of the driver remains unclear at this time.
