Chaos Erupts in Westwood: U-Haul Truck Drives Into Anti-Iran Regime Protest Crowd, Sparking Outrage and Investigation

A peaceful demonstration in support of anti-Islamic regime protesters in Iran turned chaotic on Sunday afternoon when a U-Haul box truck allegedly plowed into a crowd of marchers in Westwood, near the Wilshire Federal Building. The incident, which occurred on Sunday left at least two people with minor injuries and the driver detained by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers amid a frenzied confrontation. 

On Sunday, January 11, a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of demonstrators in Los Angeles’ Westwood neighborhood during a protest in support of anti-regime movements in Iran, injuring at least two people. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the Federal Building on Veteran… pic.twitter.com/eVaR6CrBCI

— Kayhan Life (@KayhanLife) January 12, 2026

Eyewitness videos captured the harrowing moment as the white U-Haul truck accelerated through the group of over 1,000 demonstrators on Veteran Avenue, scattering protesters and prompting screams of panic. Protesters quickly surrounded the vehicle, smashing windows, breaking mirrors, and attempting to pull the driver out before police intervened. The driver, an adult male whose identity has not been released, sustained injuries from the crowd’s reaction and was treated at a local hospital before being taken into custody. 

The truck bore provocative signage in both English and Farsi, reading “NO SHAH! NO REGIME! USA: Don’t Repeat 1953! NO MULLAH!” – a reference to the 1953 U.S.-backed coup in Iran that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and reinstated the Shah. This messaging, which opposes both the current theocratic regime and any restoration of monarchy, has fueled speculation about the driver’s motives.

My Iranian friend just translated the yellow Farsi sign on the U-Haul that just rammed into a group of Iranian protesters in Los Angeles who were protesting against the Islamic regime of Iran. It’s talking about taking this from city to city.

A sign on the Uhaul says “No Shah!… https://t.co/JsmirZyn8L pic.twitter.com/1B3npDlDAD

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 12, 2026

LAPD officials confirmed that at least one person was struck by the vehicle, but injuries were not severe enough to require hospitalization. No ambulances were dispatched, and the two evaluated individuals declined further treatment. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Force involved to determine if the act was intentional or terror-related. “We are treating this seriously and exploring all angles,” an LAPD spokesperson stated late Sunday. 

New footage  shows protesters surrounding the truck prior to the incident, possibly triggered by the vehicle’s signage, which some viewed as counter to their message of regime change from an Islamic authoritarian state to one the is secular and free.

Dear world,

Iran was not a Muslim country.⁰
It was conquered by Islam.⁰
Today, Iranians are fighting for their freedom, and their bravery should hold us all in awe.

pic.twitter.com/hPbzbDmQd1

— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) January 11, 2026

The rally, organized by members of the Iranian diaspora in California, was part of a broader wave of global demonstrations supporting Iranians facing violent Islamic repression, internet blackouts, and economic turmoil under the Islamic, mullah-led government.

Prior the overthrow of the Shah by Islamists and the U.S. Government under the direction of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, women in Iran were free.

This was my mum & her mates in Iran before the Islamists, with the help of communists and the diabolically dimwitted Jimmy Carter, took over the country. MIGA. pic.twitter.com/zn8Jkk1CMC

— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) January 12, 2026

Iran before Islam took over in 1979.

The Shah of Iran built 4000 publicly funded schools a year.

He provided free meals in schools to combat poverty & banned child marriage so girls could be educated.

This is why Iranians want their Shah back.

The Islamists are the dictators. pic.twitter.com/qNBYS08Pbr

— Jaimee Michell (@JaimeeUSA) January 9, 2026

Responses from California Elected Officials

Governor Gavin Newsom, who has frequently positioned California as a beacon of progressive values, issued a statement earlier on Sunday expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. “California stands in solidarity with the people of Iran, who are confronting violent repression, mass internet and power shutdowns, and economic collapse imposed by a theocratic authoritarian regime,” Newsom posted on X. “The scale and persistence of protests across Iran demand fundamental change after decades of state violence and denial of basic rights.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass arrived at the scene hours after the incident and held a news conference, where she expressed deep concern over potential U.S. intervention in Iran while condemning violence in protests. “Peaceful protest is a right. I urge Angelenos to exercise that right safely and not give this administration an excuse to escalate,”

In a recent post, Sen. Padilla condemned Iran’s attacks and emphasized the right to peaceful protest: “As the proud son of immigrants and an LA native, Trump’s latest attacks on California are personal for me. My message to the people in LA: keep speaking out and protest peacefully.”

The FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) have joined the probe to ascertain whether this was a deliberate act of violence, an accident fueled by the heated atmosphere, or something more sinister.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (Central District of California) confirmed federal involvement: “FBI is on scene working with LAPD to determine the motive of the driver. This is an active investigation.”

As of publishing, the investigation remains active with no charges filed and motive undetermined. Outlets like the Los Angeles Times and KTLA report ongoing traffic disruptions and community calls for calm.

The California Globe will continue to track developments and report on the outcomes of the ongoing investigation.