In Los Angeles on Sunday, law enforcement officials responded following an alarming event where a U-Haul box truck navigated through a street jampacked with demonstrators rallying in support of the Iranian populace. The abrupt movement of the truck prompted marchers to scatter for safety before pursuing the vehicle in an attempt to confront the motorist.
The vehicle, notably sustaining damage to its window and side mirrors, was intercepted several blocks from the incident site and was quickly encircled by patrol vehicles. Video footage captured by an ABC7 news helicopter revealed officers actively managing the crowd as protesters converged on the truck, physically engaging the driver with punches and inserting flagpoles into the driver's side window.
Police identified the truck's operator only as a male and confirmed his detention for "further investigation" in an official statement released Sunday night. The Los Angeles Police Department's communication detailed that the truck did strike one individual; however, there were no severe injuries reported. The Los Angeles Fire Department noted two persons received paramedic evaluations, both choosing to decline medical treatment.
Affixed to the side of the truck was a banner bearing the message "No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah," referencing the historic U.S.-backed coup that removed Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh from power in 1953.
That 1953 coup occurred amid U.S. concerns over Soviet influence expansion in Iran, compounded by Communist agitation within the country. British interests also played a role, aiming to regain earlier nationalized control over Iranian oil under Mossadegh's government.
The event resulted in Mossadegh's ousting and solidified Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s rule, which later provoked the 1979 Islamic Revolution leading to the establishment of the theocratic regime in Iran following the Shah’s exile and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's rise.
The protest in Los Angeles received participation from a substantial crowd, some carrying Iranian flags, assembled along Veteran Avenue in the Westwood district to oppose the current Iranian theocratic governance. Law enforcement later issued an order for dispersal; as reported by ABC7, by 5 PM, the gathering had diminished to approximately one hundred attendees.
Activists highlight that a suppression campaign against nationwide protests inside Iran has resulted in over 530 fatalities. Demonstrations continued on Sunday in Tehran and the country's second-largest city.
Los Angeles is recognized for hosting the largest community of Iranians outside Iran itself, underscoring the local significance of these demonstrations.