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LA U-Haul 'attack': Videos show police detaining driver at Westwood anti-Iranian regime protest

During an anti-Iranian regime protest in Los Angeles, a U-Haul truck drove through the crowd, leading to chaos.

Updated on: Jan 12, 2026, 06:49:16 IST
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Videos circulating online show Los Angeles police detaining the driver of a U-Haul truck after it drove through a crowd during an anti-Iranian regime protest, in the Westwood neighborhood on Sunday.

Some footage also shows the driver being struck as the crowd tried to stop the vehicle. (Photo: Screenshotted from video posted on X by @AZ_Intel_)
Some footage also shows the driver being struck as the crowd tried to stop the vehicle. (Photo: Screenshotted from video posted on X by @AZ_Intel_)

The incident unfolded as hundreds of demonstrators gathered to show support for protesters in Iran amid weeks of unrest linked to the country’s economic crisis. What began as a peaceful march quickly descended into chaos when the box truck entered the protest area.

What unfolded at the protest site

Cellphone footage captured the moments after the truck moved through the crowd. Videos show protesters shouting and surrounding the vehicle, with several individuals attempting to pull the driver out of the truck.

Also Read: Iran rights group warns of 'mass killing', govt calls counter-protests

Some footage also shows the driver being struck as the crowd tried to stop the vehicle, while the truck’s windows appeared to be broken.

Additional videos later showed police officers detaining the driver at the scene.

Authorities have not publicly identified the driver, and it remains unclear what prompted the vehicle to enter the crowd.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said at least two people were examined at the scene but declined medical treatment, NBC Los Angeles reported. No serious injuries were immediately confirmed.

Police investigation ongoing

Law enforcement officials have not released details about possible charges or whether the incident is being investigated as an intentional act. Fox News reported that authorities are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the driver’s actions.

Officials have not said whether the driver acted deliberately or whether the incident was accidental. As of Sunday, no additional arrests had been announced, and police said the investigation remains active.

Protest held amid Iran unrest

The demonstration was organized in solidarity with protesters in Iran, where widespread demonstrations have erupted over economic conditions and government policies. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 583 people have been killed since the unrest began roughly two weeks ago, a figure cited by both NBC Los Angeles and Fox News.

Read More: 'Don't abandon streets, Trump saw your bravery': Reza Pahlavi urges more protests in Iran in new message

The Westwood protest was one of several held in cities across the US as members of the Iranian diaspora and supporters called attention to the ongoing crackdown in Iran.

Authorities said more information would be released as the investigation progresses.

This is a developing situation, and officials urged the public to rely on verified updates as details continue to emerge.

  • Prakriti Deb
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Prakriti Deb

    Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense of being through storytelling in all its forms, including conversations, painting, theatre, dance and photography. She appreciates discussions that challenge her perspective and help her see the world a little differently.Read More

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