A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday afternoon, leading to a chaotic scene during a demonstration against the Iranian government.The protest, which began peacefully, was organized to show solidarity with ongoing protests in Iran, where activists report a rising death toll amid government crackdowns on dissent.
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abc7.comlatimes.comThe incident occurred around 3:30 pm on Veteran Avenue, near the Wilshire Federal Building, where hundreds had gathered to voice their opposition to the Iranian regime.Video footage captured the moment the truck entered the crowd, prompting screams and panic as demonstrators attempted to flee.
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abc7.comnbclosangeles.comWitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with some protesters trying to pull the driver from the vehicle.The driver, identified as 48-year-old Calor Madanescht, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and is being held without bail.
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latimes.comfoxla.comAlthough initial reports indicated that one person was struck by the truck, police later clarified that no injuries were reported among the protesters.
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latimes.comabcnews.go.comProtesters reacted with anger, attempting to damage the truck and its signage, which included messages critical of the Iranian government.One protester, Mike Hirad, recounted how the crowd chased the U-Haul after it drove into them, expressing their outrage at the driver's actions.
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nbclosangeles.comfoxla.comLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass arrived at the scene and emphasized the importance of peaceful protests, urging demonstrators to exercise their First Amendment rights responsibly.She acknowledged the significance of the protest, noting the robust Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles and their concerns about the situation in Iran.
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latimes.comabcnews.go.comThe demonstration was part of a larger wave of protests in Iran, where activists report that at least 583 people have been killed since unrest began two weeks ago, primarily due to economic grievances and government repression.
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abc7.comnbclosangeles.comThe protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime's handling of the economy, which has seen the national currency, the rial, plummet in value, leading to soaring inflation and rising prices for basic goods.
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abc7.comabcnews.go.comAs the investigation into the incident continues, the FBI is working alongside local law enforcement to determine the motive behind the driver's actions.Officials have stated 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.comfoxla.comThe U-Haul incident highlights the tensions surrounding the protests, both in Iran and among the Iranian diaspora in the United States.As the situation evolves, many are calling for increased awareness and support for the ongoing struggle for freedom and human rights in Iran.
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abc7.comnbclosangeles.comThe Los Angeles Police Department has stated that they will present their findings to the LA City Attorney's Office as the investigation progresses.Meanwhile, the protests in Westwood serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and change in Iran, as demonstrators continue to rally for their voices to be heard.
