Police in Los Angeles have arrested a man accused of deliberately driving a rental truck into a crowd of demonstrators who had gathered to show solidarity with ongoing protests in Iran.
Incident Details and Police Response
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon along Veteran Avenue in the Westwood neighbourhood, an area known for having the largest Iranian community outside of Iran itself. A large crowd, some waving pre-revolution Iranian flags, was demonstrating when a U-Haul truck drove into their midst.
One man was struck by the vehicle but was not seriously injured, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Two other individuals were evaluated by paramedics but declined further treatment.
Officer Charles Miller, an LAPD spokesperson, confirmed the driver was in custody and being processed early on Monday, 12 January 2026. The driver has not yet been publicly identified.
Potential Charges and Crowd Reaction
Authorities stated they are actively considering filing an assault with a deadly weapon charge, with the vehicle itself constituting the deadly weapon. "Right now it’s an open traffic investigation," said LAPD Captain Richard Gabaldon on Sunday. "We’re looking at possible assault with a deadly weapon, the deadly weapon being the vehicle being used."
Footage from news helicopters captured the dramatic aftermath, showing police attempting to control the situation as enraged demonstrators swarmed the stopped truck several blocks away. The vehicle's windshield, a side window, and mirrors were shattered. Protesters were seen throwing punches at the driver and thrusting flagpoles through the driver's side window.
Political Context of the Protest
The rally was part of a global show of support for protests within Iran, which began over economic issues but have broadened into a direct challenge to the country's theocratic government. Activists report that the Iranian government's crackdown has killed at least 599 people.
A banner attached to the truck read, "No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah," referencing the 1953 US-backed coup that ousted Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and strengthened the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a pivotal event leading to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
From exile in the United States, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father fled Iran in 1979, has called for Iranians to join the demonstrations. The protests have seen some participants chant pro-shah slogans, acts once punishable by death, highlighting the depth of anger.
Both the LAPD and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have declined to answer further questions, including whether the driver was injured in the confrontation or what his motive might have been for driving into the crowd.
