U-Haul Drives Into Crowd at Westwood Anti-Iran Rally; Driver Detained
A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd at an anti-Iranian government rally in Westwood on January 11, 2026, striking one person who suffered no major injuries. The driver was detained after protesters attacked the vehicle amid chaotic scenes.
Key takeaways
- What: A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd during an anti-Iranian government rally; one person was struck and reported to have no significant injuries (Los Angeles Times, ABC News).
- Where: Veteran Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard near a federal building in Westwood, Los Angeles.
- Aftermath: Protesters smashed vehicle windows and attacked the driver; LAPD formed a protective shield, detained the driver and issued a dispersal order.
- Evidence: Video and eyewitness accounts show the truck was stopped several blocks away and clips are publicly circulating online (video, additional footage).
What happened
Hundreds gathered in Westwood on Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2026, to back anti-regime demonstrators in Iran, waving pre-1979 Iranian flags and chanting for freedom. The march proceeded along Veteran Avenue and past a federal building on Wilshire Boulevard when an altercation involving a U-Haul occurred.
Video and eyewitness accounts show protesters surrounding the truck and smashing its windows and mirrors. The vehicle then accelerated into the crowd, prompting screams and a rush to safety; it was later stopped several blocks away. Police and Los Angeles Fire Department officials reported that one adult was struck and sustained no significant injuries. Two other people were evaluated at the scene and declined treatment; no ambulances were called.
Banners and messaging on the truck
A banner on the side of the U-Haul read in capital letters: “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH.” The sign referenced the 1953 U.S.-backed coup in Iran — a recurring point in debates over U.S. policy toward Tehran. The truck also displayed another banner written in a foreign language.
Scene and witness accounts
Eyewitnesses described sudden fear and confusion as the truck moved into the crowd. Iranian-American protesters Abraham Moe, his wife Sanaz, and their daughter Kiana told reporters they were frightened as people scrambled to safety. Video captured protesters kicking the windshield and clashing with officers as police worked to secure the scene.
“People were trying to pull the driver out and there were flagpoles shoved through windows,” one account said, while footage shows officers forming a protective shield around the vehicle.
Police response and status of the driver
LAPD officers arrived quickly and arrested the unidentified male driver. Police Captain Richard Gabaldon told reporters the incident began as an altercation in the crowd and that, at that time, it was not being investigated as an act of terrorism or a politically motivated attack. Officers reported the driver had been injured after protesters attempted to pull him from the cab, with punches and objects thrust through the window.
By about 5 p.m., officers issued a dispersal order; roughly 100 protesters remained after the order. Mayor Karen Bass visited the scene hours later, urging calm and expressing concern for public safety while noting broader questions about U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.
Broader context: protests in Iran and the local community
The Westwood march was part of a wave of U.S.-based demonstrations showing solidarity with anti-regime protesters in Iran. Activists and monitoring groups reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests since unrest began; one U.S.-based tally from rights monitors cited roughly 583 killed since demonstrations escalated.
Los Angeles hosts the largest Iranian community outside Iran, which makes Westwood a frequent site for demonstrations and debate over the clerical regime and U.S. policy toward Tehran. The rally drew residents and activists from across the region to call attention to human rights concerns in Iran.
Investigative questions
Authorities are reviewing video and witness statements to determine intent and identify all parties involved. Key questions include whether the driver intended to harm protesters or was attempting to flee after being surrounded. Police have not publicly released the driver’s identity or charging details while the inquiry remains active.
Implications for California
Economic impact: High-profile protests and violent incidents can disrupt business in busy neighborhoods like Westwood. Shops and restaurants along Wilshire Boulevard may face temporary closures and property damage that leads to insurance claims.
Political consequences: The episode highlights tensions between public safety and the right to protest, raising questions about permit processes, crowd-control planning and how local leaders balance safety with free expression.
Social and cultural effects: Violent clashes can deepen divisions within Los Angeles’ large Iranian and Iranian-American communities, discouraging participation in future rallies and straining relations with law enforcement.
Practical guidance for residents
Residents and visitors should be aware that demonstrations can become volatile. Precautions include staying aware of exits, avoiding confrontations, following law enforcement instructions, and reviewing property security plans on days with large rallies.
Sources and evidence
Authorities continue to review footage and statements as they determine charges and motives. Reporting and footage cited in this article include:
- Los Angeles Times: report on the Westwood U-Haul incident and witness accounts.
- ABC News: wire coverage of protesters attacking the driver and police response.
- Video footage of the incident and additional clips shared online.
The Los Angeles Police Department says the case remains under active investigation and has not released charging information as officials continue to analyze video and witness accounts.
