A major demonstration in support of Iranian freedom in Los Angeles descended into chaos and violence after a U-Haul truck drove into a crowded street of marchers, leaving two people injured.
Chaos on the Streets as Vehicle Ploughs into Crowd
The incident occurred on January 12, 2026, as protesters flooded a Los Angeles street. A U-Haul truck barrelled directly into the gathering, sparking widespread panic and sending people scrambling for safety. Initial footage from the scene strongly suggests the act was deliberate, raising immediate concerns that the attack was politically motivated.
The vehicle, with its windscreen and side mirrors shattered, was stopped by police several blocks away after it drove through the protest. Helicopter footage captured the tense aftermath, showing officers struggling to control the situation as enraged demonstrators swarmed the stationary truck. Protesters were seen throwing punches at the driver and thrusting flagpoles through the driver's side window before law enforcement could intervene.
Driver Arrested Amid Fears of Political Motive
The driver, a man who has not yet been publicly identified, was taken into custody at the scene. Los Angeles police confirmed his arrest and stated he is facing 'further investigation'. Medical personnel evaluated three individuals; one was struck by the truck, and two others received attention from paramedics. Fortunately, none of the injuries required hospitalisation.
A banner displayed on the side of the truck provided a stark political message, reading: 'No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.' This text references the 1953 coup in Iran, which was orchestrated by the US and UK intelligence services and led to the ousting of the Prime Minister. The term 'Mullah' refers to Islamic religious leaders, a clear denouncement of the current Iranian theocratic regime.
Background: Widespread Unrest in Iran Fuels Global Solidarity
The Los Angeles protest was held in solidarity with a significant wave of demonstrations currently rocking Iran. The protests, which are the largest since the 2022 unrest following the death of Mahsa Amini, began over the sharp decline of the national currency, the Rial. They have since evolved into a broader movement challenging human rights repression and the autocratic system itself.
According to recent reports, the Iranian regime's response has been brutally severe. Security forces have killed approximately 496 protesters, and more than 10,600 people have been arrested in just the past two weeks. The government has imposed a widespread internet shutdown and cut phone lines, making it difficult to gauge the true scale of the dissent.
Protests have been concentrated in the capital, Tehran, and the country's second-largest city, with unrest first igniting in Tehran's Grand Bazaar—a traditional barometer of economic discontent. The movement now represents a direct threat to the governing Islamic regime, moving beyond initial economic grievances to demand fundamental political change.
