On Sunday afternoon, chaos erupted during an anti-Iranian regime rally near the federal building in Westwood, Los Angeles, when a driver allegedly plowed a U-Haul into a crowd of protesters. Eyewitnesses reported the incident occurring shortly before 3:30 p.m., as tensions escalated rapidly among the large gathering of demonstrators.
As AIR7 arrived at the scene, the atmosphere was charged, with many protesters surrounding the U-Haul. Some individuals were seen smashing its windows, clearly agitated by the events unfolding before them. Law enforcement officials intervened, pulling the driver from the U-Haul and taking him into custody as the crowd reacted violently, attempting to punch him and strike him with flag poles.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the driver drove through the crowd during the planned protest, provoking anger and outrage among the demonstrators. Footage from the scene captured the moment the U-Haul barreled through the crowd, revealing messages on the side of the vehicle stating, “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON'T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH.” This further incited the protesters, who then ripped several signs off the U-Haul.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was on-site to manage the situation. Although two individuals were evaluated for injuries, they declined medical treatment, and no ambulances were called to the protest. The California Highway Patrol also responded, assisting with traffic control and shutting down the 405 Freeway ramp on Wilshire.
As the situation continued to escalate, the LAPD issued a dispersal order. By approximately 5 p.m., the once large crowd had diminished significantly, leaving around 100 protesters still present at the location.
This incident in Los Angeles reflects a broader context of nationwide protests in Iran, which have surged in response to the Islamic Republic's struggling economy. The Iranian government has faced increasing scrutiny and pressure, especially following the reimposition of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program in September. As a result, Iran's economy has been in free fall, with the rial trading at over 1.4 million to $1.
Moreover, the protests have intensified since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022, which sparked widespread demonstrations across the country. Activists report that over 570 protests have taken place across all 31 provinces in Iran, with demonstrators initially focusing on economic grievances before expanding their criticism to the government itself.
The unrest has drawn the attention of international leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States would respond if Iran violently suppresses peaceful protests. His remarks came against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the U.S. military's capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader and a known ally of Tehran.
As the Iranian government grapples with economic instability, prices for essential goods such as meat and rice have skyrocketed, contributing to a growing crisis. The Central Bank of Iran's recent decision to end a preferential dollar-rial exchange rate for most products is expected to exacerbate food prices, further straining the populace.
As the situation develops, both in Los Angeles and Iran, the global community is closely monitoring events. For continuous updates on this story and related developments, please return to this page.