U-Haul truck drives into pro-Iran protesters in Los Angeles, US

A U-Haul truck drove into a group of protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, in the United States on January 11 during a demonstration in support of the Iranian people, prompting an investigation by local and federal authorities.

The incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. along Veteran Avenue as hundreds of demonstrators marched near the federal building. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said the driver—an adult male—collided with individuals participating in the march and was detained at the scene, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

“The driver of a U-Haul truck collided with individuals marching along Veteran Avenue in the area of the Federal Building. The driver (an adult male) has been detained pending further investigation into the incident,” LAPD Captain Mike Bland said in a statement.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), at least two people were examined at the scene but declined medical transportation.

Cellphone videos shared on social media showed protesters surrounding the truck and striking it as they attempted to remove the driver. The vehicle was later seen with multiple broken windows.

United States Attorney Bill Essayli said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is working with local law enforcement to determine the driver’s motive.

The demonstration in the United States was held in solidarity with protesters in Iran, where a harsh crackdown on demonstrations linked to the country’s economic crisis has reportedly led to hundreds of deaths. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 583 people have been killed since the unrest began two weeks ago.

By Vugar Khalilov