A U-Haul truck driver has been taken into custody following an incident where he allegedly steered his vehicle into a crowd of protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, on January 11, 2026.The driver, identified as Calor Madanescht, 48, was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and is currently being held without bail.
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latimes.comThe protest, which was organized in support of ongoing demonstrations against the Iranian government, attracted a large crowd of approximately 3,000 people near the Wilshire Federal Building.Eyewitnesses reported that the atmosphere quickly turned chaotic when the truck approached the gathering.Video footage captured the moment when protesters began to scream and scramble out of the way as the vehicle sped down the road where they were assembled.
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spectrumlocalnews.comusnews.comInitially, police reported that one person had been struck by the truck, but later clarified that no injuries were reported among the protesters.Two individuals were evaluated at the scene but declined further medical treatment.The driver himself sustained injuries during the incident, as protesters attempted to pull him from the vehicle after it came to a stop several blocks away, where it was found with shattered windows and mirrors.
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latimes.comspectrumlocalnews.comThe Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that officers had been monitoring the protest and had directed Madanescht to turn around as he approached the crowd.However, he allegedly drove toward a group of officers, prompting them to form a barrier between him and the protesters before taking him into custody.The police have indicated that they do not believe the incident was politically motivated or an act of terrorism, but rather stemmed from an altercation within the crowd.
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latimes.comusnews.comThe truck displayed a banner with a message referencing a historical US-backed coup in Iran in 1953, which overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.This coup is often cited as a significant event leading to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that established the current Iranian theocracy.The banner read: "No Shah.No Regime.USA: Don't Repeat 1953.No Mullah," reflecting the sentiments of some protesters who oppose both the current Iranian government and a potential return to monarchy.
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spectrumlocalnews.comapnews.comMayor Karen Bass visited the protest site shortly after the incident and emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations, stating, "How one does that is critical, and exercising your 1st Amendment right peacefully is what is absolutely critical".
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latimes.comThe incident has drawn attention to the ongoing protests in Iran, where activists report that nearly 600 people have died amid the unrest.The protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian government's policies and actions, particularly in light of economic sanctions that have severely impacted the country.Many in the Iranian diaspora, including those in Los Angeles, have been vocal in their support for the protests, advocating for freedom and change in Iran.
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latimes.comusnews.comAs the investigation continues, the LAPD has stated that they are working with the FBI to determine the motive behind Madanescht's actions.The city attorney's office has not yet commented on potential charges against him, as he was arrested but not formally charged before his release on Monday.
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spectrumlocalnews.comapnews.comThe situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to gather information and assess the events surrounding the protest and the subsequent incident involving the U-Haul truck.
