Iran Protests: A U-Haul truck appeared to drive through a crowd of demonstrators during a Los Angeles march in support of the Iranian people on Sunday, prompting a chaotic scene in the Westwood neighborhood.
Hundreds of people had gathered to show solidarity with protesters in Iran, local media reported. Videos shared on social media showed the truck moving quickly through a dense crowd, with people screaming and attempting to block its path.
Injuries Reported After Truck Rams Into Iranian Protestors
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that two people were evaluated by paramedics at the scene but declined medical treatment or transport. “The total patient count remains at two, both declining LAFD transport. There were no other patients located,” an LAFD spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Officials added that the crowd was “voluntarily dispersing.”
Earlier, LAFD had responded to reports of a possible third injured person, though access to the area was delayed due to the large number of protesters. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said they had not yet determined the total number of injuries.
BREAKING: Someone driving a U-Haul truck plows into people at an Iran protests in Los Angeles, California.
“NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” a sign on the truck read.
Video: @Shangoolans pic.twitter.com/gI6Ft3unb9
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 12, 2026
Truck Driver Confronted by Iranian Protestors
Videos appear to show several people attempting to pull the driver from the truck while punching him. The vehicle’s windows were reportedly smashed during the confrontation, NBC4 Los Angeles reported. Authorities confirmed that the driver was taken into custody, though his identity has not been released.
The side of the truck displayed banners with messages in English reading, “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” along with another banner in a foreign language.
Protests in Iran Continue, Death Toll Rises
The Los Angeles demonstration comes amid escalating unrest in Iran. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 583 people have been killed since nationwide protests began two weeks ago. Initially sparked by economic grievances, the demonstrations have evolved into a direct challenge to the country’s clerical leadership.
The crackdown on protesters has reportedly resulted in over 10,600 detentions. Activists have warned that the death toll may be higher than reported.
Solidarity protests have also taken place in major European cities, including Paris and Berlin, and a demonstration occurred outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, Iran has cut internet and phone lines, limiting communication within the country. Videos sent out, reportedly via Starlink satellite connections, showed gatherings in Tehran’s Punak neighborhood, with demonstrators waving mobile phone flashlights and setting off fireworks while banging metal objects.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
