U-Haul Truck Hits Crowd at Westwood Protest Against Iranian Rulers
A protest against the Iranian government in Westwood escalated dramatically on Sunday when a U-Haul truck struck several individuals. The incident, which occurred during a demonstration attended by approximately 3,000 people, raised immediate concerns among participants and onlookers.
Incident Overview
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that two individuals at the protest declined medical treatment. Police reported that while one adult was struck, they did not suffer significant injuries. No ambulances were dispatched following the incident.
Driver’s Condition and Arrest
The driver of the U-Haul sustained injuries amid the chaos, as protesters attempted to remove him from the vehicle. L.A. Police Captain Richard Gabaldon noted that demonstrators reacted violently, with some punching and attacking the driver while he was taken into custody. Although the driver has no prior arrest record, he may face charges for assault with a deadly weapon.
Nature of the Protest
The crowd was protesting against the Iranian regime, displaying messages that included “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.” Captain Gabaldon stated that officials do not believe the U-Haul incident was politically motivated or an act of terrorism but emerged from a conflict within the crowd.
- Time of incident: Sunday afternoon
- Approximate crowd size: 3,000 people
- Location: Near Wilshire Federal Building, Westwood
Response and Comments
Mayor Karen Bass arrived at the scene later in the day to address the need for peaceful protests. She stressed the importance of exercising First Amendment rights without resorting to violence. The Department of Justice, via First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, confirmed that the FBI is collaborating with LAPD to investigate the driver’s motives.
Context of the Protest
This protest occurred amidst ongoing unrest in Iran, where activists report that over 538 people have died and more than 10,000 have been arrested in the last two weeks. Kiana Moe, a participant in the Westwood protest, expressed the overarching message of the demonstrators: seeking freedom and an end to the current regime in Iran.
Traffic Management
In response to the large gathering, the L.A. Regional Transportation Management Center temporarily closed the northbound and southbound Wilshire Boulevard off-ramps to manage the crowd and prevent any potential takeover of the freeway. The roadblocks remained in effect until about 5 p.m., when the majority of attendees had left the area.
As investigations continue, further updates on the incident are anticipated from law enforcement and related authorities.
