A U-Haul truck drove through a group of protesters in Westwood on Sunday during a demonstration in support of the Iranian people.
Hundreds of protesters were on Veteran Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. when the box truck entered the area.
“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,” wrote LAPD Captain Mike Bland.
The driver was later arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, the LAPD said.
At least two people were evaluated for injuries, but they declined medical transport, according to the LAFD.
Cellphone video showed the driver being punched as a group of people attempted to get him out of the large truck, which was left with multiple broken windows.
Demonstrators also attempted to remove a sign attached to the side of the truck that read, “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.” The Shah of Iran was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 1953, a coup ousted Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
“In front of my eyes, the U-Haul hit people, so we started chasing the U-Haul and were able to get him to stop and we started throwing things at the U-Haul,” said Mike Hirad, a protester in Sunday’s demonstration.
The FBI is working with local law enforcement to determine the motive of the driver, according to United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
Hundreds of people marched in Westwood to show support for Iranian protesters as the crackdown on demonstrations in the Middle Eastern country resulted in the deaths of hundreds.
“Came out here to show our solidarity with the people of Iran, our homeland. I was born there,” said Romina Tabibiazar.
At least 583 people have been killed since unrest began in Iran two weeks ago over the economic crisis, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
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