Los Angeles — A quiet Sunday afternoon protest in Westwood turned terrifying when a U-Haul truck suddenly drove into a crowd gathered on Veterans Avenue near the federal building, injuring several people and sending others scrambling for safety. The demonstration, meant to show support for protests in Iran, dissolved into chaos shortly after 3:30 p.m. when the rented truck accelerated toward the group of marchers.
Hundreds had assembled in bright daylight near 1338 Veteran Avenue, waving flags and chanting in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators calling for political change back home. Video shared across social platforms shows the U-Haul truck, its sides marked with political slogans, slowly moving into the flow of people before accelerating. Some marchers tried to block the path and even struck at the vehicle trying to prevent it from moving forward.
As the truck pressed through the crowd, witnesses described a terrifying scene. Shouts filled the street, and people leapt out of the way as others were struck or nearly hit. Emergency crews later confirmed that at least three people were treated for injuries at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel; there were no immediate reports of life-threatening injuries.
In shocking footage, demonstrators can be seen attempting to remove or cover the politically charged banners plastered on the vehicle before the driver pushed forward. A handful of protesters surrounded the cab, trying to pull the driver out as the truck inched into the crowd. Eventually, law enforcement officers intervened, pulled the driver from the vehicle, and took him into custody.
Police quickly cordoned off the area and moved bystanders and remaining marchers back to allow first responders to work. The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet released the name of the driver or confirmed what charges, if any, he will face. At this stage, investigators have not officially stated whether the incident was intentional or related to a traffic violation.
For many in the crowd, what was meant to be a peaceful stand for freedom turned into a moment of fear. One protester described hearing screams and seeing people fall as the truck barreled through, shaking hands and knocking signs from placards. Others said that just seconds before, the California sunshine and rhythmic chants had made the energy feel hopeful.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with additional video or eyewitness accounts to come forward as part of efforts to understand exactly what happened and why the truck entered the march. The rally itself was one of several taking place across the country in support of Iranians pushing for regime change amid months of unrest back home.
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