A truck driver has been detained in Los Angeles after driving at speed through a crowded street where demonstrators had gathered in solidarity with protesters in Iran, triggering panic among marchers.
According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday during a large protest in the Westwood neighbourhood. A U-Haul box truck was seen moving rapidly through a street packed with demonstrators, forcing people to scatter to avoid being struck. One individual was hit by the vehicle but did not suffer serious injuries.
Driver detained, investigation under way
The truck was intercepted several blocks away and surrounded by police vehicles. Aerial footage from local news channels showed officers working to secure the driver and prevent demonstrators from attacking him after they caught up with the vehicle.
The Los Angeles Police Department said the driver, whose identity has not been released, was detained pending further investigation. No charges have been announced so far.
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that two people were evaluated by paramedics at the scene, though both declined further medical treatment.
Protest in support of Iran demonstrations
Thousands of demonstrators had earlier gathered along Veteran Avenue to express solidarity with anti-government protesters in Iran. Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian diaspora community outside Iran, making it a focal point for such demonstrations.
Police initially allowed the march to proceed before later issuing a dispersal order. By early evening, local media reported that only around 100 protesters remained in the area.
Global solidarity amid unrest in Iran
The protests in Iran began in late December after traders at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut shops over the sharp fall of the Iranian rial. What started as economic dissent has since grown into widespread anti-government protests, described by analysts as the largest since the 2022–23 movement following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Demonstrations supporting Iranian protesters have taken place across cities worldwide, including London, Paris, Berlin and Istanbul, underscoring the global resonance of the unrest.