Another weekend, another so-called “peaceful” protest spiraling into chaos—this time in Los Angeles.
Authorities say a U-Haul truck drove through a crowd during a demonstration in support of anti-regime protesters in Iran, striking one person and triggering a frantic scene near the Federal Building in the Westwood neighborhood. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. Sunday along Veteran Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
LAPD confirmed that the adult male driver of the U-Haul has been detained while the incident is under investigation. One adult male was struck by the vehicle, though police emphasized that no significant injuries were reported. A rescue ambulance treated the individual at the scene, and thankfully, no one was transported to the hospital. Small mercies still count.
Hundreds of demonstrators had gathered for the march backing protesters in Iran, NBC4 Los Angeles reported. Videos circulating on social media show the truck moving quickly through a dense crowd as people screamed, with at least one individual appearing to cling to the side of the vehicle and bang on a window as it continued forward. Clearly, crowd control and common sense were in short supply.
Adding to the bizarre nature of the incident, banners on the side of the U-Haul read, “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” along with another message written in a foreign language. Because nothing says “organized protest” like a rented moving truck with political slogans taped to the side.
Additional video reportedly shows the driver being punched as several people attempted to pull him from the vehicle, while the truck’s windows were smashed. Law enforcement has not yet released the driver’s identity.
The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have expanded into a direct challenge to the country’s clerical leadership. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 583 people have been killed since the unrest erupted two weeks ago. Solidarity protests have also appeared in major European cities such as Paris and Berlin, as well as outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
Despite the disorder seen in Los Angeles, it’s worth remembering that America remains a place where people can speak out, assemble, and be heard—something protesters abroad are literally risking their lives to do. And with law enforcement responding quickly and injuries kept to a minimum, it’s a reminder that order, accountability, and respect for the rule of law still matter—and when they’re upheld, everyone is better off.
