U-Haul truck drives through crowd of Iranian protesters in Los Angeles
A U-Haul truck with an Iran anti-regime change message hung on its side just rammed through a pro Iranian freedom rally in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
By JAMES GORDON, US NEWS REPORTER
Published: 00:08 GMT, 12 January 2026 | Updated: 02:12 GMT, 12 January 2026
Chaos erupted at a pro–Iranian freedom rally in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon after a U-Haul truck bearing a stark anti–regime change message plowed through a crowd of demonstrators, sending people scrambling in panic.
Witnesses said the truck barreled toward protesters waving Iranian flags, attempting to force its way through the gathering as a large banner taped to its side declared: 'No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don't Repeat 1953. No Mullah.'
Two people denied treatment for injuries at the scene. A third person was reported injured; their condition was unclear.
The shocking moment unfolded in broad daylight in the Westwood area of the city as the vehicle appeared to deliberately drive into the rally area, raising immediate fears of a politically motivated attack.
Hundreds of people were marching in the neighborhood to voice their support for Iranian protesters.
As the truck came to a stop, tensions escalated rapidly. A large group of protesters was seen surrounding the U-Haul, with some demonstrators smashing its windows, shouting and anger boiled over.
Law enforcement officers eventually pulled a man from the vehicle and appeared to take him into custody.
As police escorted him away, several protesters were seen trying to punch him and strike him with flagpoles, forcing officers to push the crowd back.
Chaos erupted at a pro–Iranian freedom rally in Los Angeleson Sunday afternoon after a U-Haul truck bearing a stark anti–regime change message plowed through a crowd of demonstrators
The truck was caught on camera from various angles as it plowed through the crowd
A large banner taped to its side declared: 'No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don't Repeat 1953. No Mullah.'
The crackdown of demonstrations in Iran itself has resulted in hundreds of deaths.
At least 583 people have been killed since unrest began in Iran two weeks ago over the economic crisis, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The LA Fire Department reported three people were injured by the truck - but two decline treatment. A third is being assessed by paramedics.
Los Angeles police were at the scene, working to control the crowd.
President Donald Trump is set to be briefed by top aides this week as he plots out the level of his response to the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown against citizen-led protests.