U-Haul truck drives into crowd at Westwood anti-Iran protest; driver detained after being attacked
A U-Haul box truck drove into hundreds of anti-Iranian government protesters near the Wilshire Federal Building in Westwood on Jan. 11, 2026; the driver was attacked by demonstrators and later detained by LAPD amid an ongoing investigation.
- Vehicle struck protesters: A U-Haul entered a crowd around 2 p.m.; one adult was hit but sustained no major injuries, and two others were evaluated and declined treatment (ABC News, Los Angeles Times).
- Driver attacked and detained: Protesters swarmed the stopped truck, damaging it and assaulting the driver; LAPD detained an unidentified male who was reported injured (ABC News, Los Angeles Times).
- Banner raised questions about motive: The truck bore a banner reading “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH”; officials and the compiled reporting note the slogan’s historical reference while investigators, with FBI assistance, said they did not currently view the incident as terrorism.
What happened: timeline and scene
Crowd and purpose: Hundreds gathered outside the Wilshire Federal Building on the 11000 block of Wilshire Boulevard for a Jan. 11 rally supporting protesters in Iran and opposing the Iranian regime. Organizers estimated the crowd reached as many as 3,000 by about 3 p.m. (Los Angeles Times, Wikipedia).
The vehicle’s path: Around 2 p.m., witnesses and police said a U-Haul box truck drove onto Veteran Avenue and into a group of demonstrators. People in the crowd pushed the vehicle back; one adult was confirmed struck but suffered no major injuries, and two others were checked by paramedics and declined transport (ABC News).
After the truck stopped: Officers stopped the truck several blocks away. The vehicle showed heavy damage — a shattered windshield and broken mirrors and windows — and an angry crowd surrounded it. Video shows people punching the driver and pushing flagpoles through a window; protesters attacked the driver as they swarmed the vehicle. LAPD secured the scene and took an unidentified male driver into custody for questioning (ABC News, Los Angeles Times).
“Investigators do not believe the incident was politically motivated or an act of terrorism,” LAPD Capt. Richard Gabaldon told reporters, saying the event likely stemmed from a confrontation in the crowd. The FBI assisted the LAPD in the probe.
Banners on the truck and questions about motive
A banner fastened to the side of the U-Haul read “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH”, accompanied by another sign in a foreign language. The language references the 1953 U.S.-backed overthrow of Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and the installation of the Shah — a historical grievance invoked in debates over U.S. policy toward Iran. Observers noted the slogans resembled material used by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (ABC News, Los Angeles Times, Wikipedia).
Response from officials and the scene after the attack
Local leaders and law enforcement: City officials moved to calm the area; Mayor Karen Bass visited the scene and urged peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights. Law enforcement issued dispersal orders and closed nearby freeway ramps; by about 5 p.m. most of the crowd had dispersed (Los Angeles Times).
Eyewitness accounts: Residents described fear and confusion as people scrambled for cover. Iranian-American resident Abraham Moe said he and his family ran for safety when the truck entered the march. Video footage circulated online showing the truck’s movement and the chaotic response (ABC News, Los Angeles Times, YouTube clip 1, YouTube clip 2, YouTube clip 3).
Broader context: protests in Iran and the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles
The Westwood demonstration was part of a global wave of rallies backing anti-regime demonstrators in Iran. Human rights groups and activist networks reported hundreds of deaths since the unrest began; some U.S.-based outlets put the count in the 500s. Los Angeles hosts the largest Iranian diaspora community outside Iran, and local events often reflect strong connections to politics abroad (ABC News, Los Angeles Times, Wikipedia).
Some attendees and commentators speculated that pro-regime actors might try to sow discord or discredit protests; authorities cautioned against jumping to conclusions while the investigation continued.
Investigation status and evidence
Investigators reviewed multiple video sources and eyewitness accounts, including local broadcast footage and cellphone video documenting the truck’s path and the crowd’s reaction. As of Jan. 12, the driver remained in custody pending the ongoing investigation, and officials had not announced charges. The FBI assisted LAPD in determining motive and whether federal laws were implicated (ABC News, Los Angeles Times).
Authorities asked anyone with relevant video or eyewitness information to contact investigators to assist with forensic leads and interviews.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact: Large demonstrations and safety measures can affect businesses and traffic across Southern California. The Westwood incident prompted freeway ramp closures and crowd dispersals, and San Diego businesses near civic centers may consider temporary security adjustments during major overseas-related protests.
Political consequences: Local leaders in San Diego may see pressure to balance public safety with free speech protections and could coordinate more closely with county and federal partners when national or international issues spark large local demonstrations.
Social and cultural effects: The incident may heighten anxiety among the Iranian-American community in San Diego and prompt solidarity events, teach-ins, or public panels discussing historical context — notably the 1953 coup referenced on the truck’s banner.
Practical advice for residents: Attendees should check law enforcement advisories, allow extra travel time, and identify alternate routes if ramps or streets are closed. Event organizers should coordinate with police and first-aid volunteers. Verify information across multiple news sources before sharing on social media.
Sources and coverage
- ABC News (wire)
- Los Angeles Times
- Compiled reporting (Wikipedia)
- Representative video clips: YouTube clip 1, YouTube clip 2, YouTube clip 3
Investigations by the LAPD and the FBI were ongoing as of Jan. 12; officials advised those with relevant video or eyewitness information to contact authorities (Los Angeles Times, ABC News).
