A U-Haul truck crashed into a large gathering of protesters in Los Angeles during a demonstration against the Iranian government, leaving two individuals injured.
On January 11, 2026, this incident occurred around 3:30 PM in the Westwood area, close to the Wilshire Federal Building, where thousands had assembled at 2 PM to express their support for the ongoing protests in Iran. These protests have tragically led to over 500 fatalities amid violent clashes, according to activists based in the United States.
The moving truck struck demonstrators near the intersection of Veteran Avenue and Ohio Avenue, approximately a block away from the main protest site. Emergency responders attended to two people on-site but opted not to transport them to a hospital. Fire officials initially reported searching for a potential third victim; however, they later confirmed there were no additional injuries.
As of now, law enforcement has not disclosed any arrests related to the incident. Social media footage showed police officers detaining a man from the truck's cab, while some protesters reacted aggressively towards him during his removal from the scene. The identity of the driver remains unknown, but police are actively questioning him.
The investigation is being spearheaded by the LAPD’s Major Crimes unit, with assistance from their Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI, according to a senior source within the department. Authorities plan to maintain a presence in the area as they continue their inquiries.
By 4:30 PM, many protesters began to depart since the rally was scheduled to conclude at 4 PM. During the event, the demonstrators chanted slogans like "Free Iran" and "End the regime," with some participants proudly displaying a massive Iranian flag that spanned nearly an entire city block.
Aerial footage captured by SkyCal revealed the truck's position, which was cordoned off with crime scene tape. The cargo area appeared to be empty, with the back door ajar. Investigators from the Los Angeles police examined the area surrounding the truck, which displayed significant damage: its windshield and windows were shattered, leaving shards of glass scattered across the street.
This story is still developing, and more details will be provided as they emerge.
