Driver Detained After Driving Truck Into Los Angeles Iranian Protest Crowd

A peaceful march turned into a scramble for safety. On January 11, 2026, a truck driver was detained in Los Angeles after speeding down a street filled with demonstrators marching in support of anti-government protesters in Iran. While the incident caused immediate panic, authorities report that no one was seriously injured.

Incident Details and Police Response in Westwood

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a U-Haul box truck drove through a crowded road on Veteran Avenue in the Westwood neighborhood. One person was struck by the vehicle, but local police stated that the individual didn't suffer serious injuries. The truck was eventually halted several blocks away, where police cruisers quickly surrounded it.

Footage from news helicopters captured the tension as officers moved in to protect the driver from protesters who had chased the vehicle on foot. The Los Angeles Fire Department evaluated two people at the scene, both of whom declined further medical treatment. The driver's identity hasn't been released, and they remain in custody pending further investigation.

The Global Echo of Iran's Domestic Unrest

The Los Angeles demonstration is part of a wave of global actions supporting the largest protest movement in Iran since 2022. These latest protests ignited on December 28 due to economic grievances but quickly evolved into broader calls for political change. Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, making it a critical hub for diaspora activism.

While state media in Iran reported that 109 security personnel have been killed in the unrest, opposition activists suggest the death toll among protesters is significantly higher. Similar demonstrations have been recorded in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin.