A chaotic scene unfolded in Los Angeles on Sunday when a rental truck drove into a crowd of demonstrators protesting against Iran's government, leaving three people injured.
Chaos on Veteran Avenue
The incident occurred in the Westwood district's Veteran Avenue, where hundreds had gathered for a demonstration against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of a U-Haul truck sped towards the protesters, who were holding Iranian flags, and seemed intent on forcing his way through the assembly.
One attendee, Susie Shoshana, captured the moment on her mobile phone. "Went to a party on Veteran Avenue, came out and there's the Iran protest march right in front of the building," Ms Shoshana said. "Caught on video this a*****e ramming his U-Haul through the protest."
Vehicle Surrounded and Driver Apprehended
After the truck finally came to a stop, it was quickly surrounded by enraged demonstrators. Footage from the scene shows individuals smashing the vehicle's windows as tensions reached a boiling point.
Additional video shows Los Angeles police officers dragging the driver from the lorry's cab while onlookers screamed nearby. As the suspect was being led away by officers, a number of protesters attempted to strike him with punches and flagpoles, prompting police to intervene, disperse the crowd, and restore order.
The Los Angeles Fire Department later verified that three individuals were injured after being struck by the truck.
Political Message on Truck
The U-Haul truck involved was notable for a large banner attached to its side, which carried a pointed political message. It read: "No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don't Repeat 1953. No Mullah." This appears to reference the 1953 CIA-backed coup in Iran and rejects both the former monarchy and the current theocratic government.
The attack comes amid a backdrop of widespread protests in Los Angeles responding to the ongoing unrest within Iran itself. The motive behind the driver's actions is currently under investigation by local authorities.
