U-Haul Truck Plows Into Crowd During Los Angeles Protest Against Iranian Government

LOS ANGELES — A U-Haul rental truck drove into a group of demonstrators during an anti-Iranian regime rally in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, injuring at least two people, according to city officials.

The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when participants had gathered to voice opposition to Iran’s government amid ongoing unrest inside the country. Witnesses reported that the vehicle entered the protest area without warning, prompting people to scatter across the street to avoid being struck.

Emergency response

The Los Angeles Fire Department said firefighter-paramedics assessed two individuals at the scene. Both declined medical transport after being evaluated for minor injuries. Crews also searched for a third person reported to be in the vicinity at the time of impact. Authorities have not released that person’s condition or confirmed whether the individual was directly involved in the incident.

Details about the driver, including identity and motive, were not immediately available. Law-enforcement officers remained at the site to collect witness statements, review nearby security footage and determine whether criminal charges will be filed. Officials did not elaborate on possible mechanical failures or other factors that might have contributed to the collision.

Backdrop of nationwide unrest in Iran

The Los Angeles demonstration coincided with widespread protests in Iran that have entered their fourteenth consecutive day. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Sunday that the death toll in Iran has surpassed 500 since the start of the current wave of unrest. The group said it has verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 members of the country’s security forces.

In addition to fatalities, HRANA recorded approximately 10,600 arrests linked to the protests. The organization said rallies have taken place in 574 locations across 185 cities covering all 31 Iranian provinces. These figures have not been independently confirmed by international media outlets, and Tehran has not released official casualty numbers.

The Iranian protests began after reports of human-rights abuses and have intensified despite efforts by authorities to contain them. International watchdogs, including Reuters, have tracked detentions, internet disruptions and alleged use of lethal force by security personnel.

Local reaction and safety measures

Organizers of the Los Angeles rally said the event was intended as a peaceful show of solidarity with demonstrators in Iran. Following the incident, they urged participants to remain calm and cooperate with first responders. Traffic lanes surrounding the protest site were closed for several hours while investigators documented tire marks and gathered physical evidence.

Imagem: Internet

City officials advised motorists to avoid the area due to expected congestion. The Los Angeles Police Department did not disclose how many officers were assigned to the protest beforehand or whether additional resources had been deployed after the truck strike.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities have not yet released a timeline for completing their investigation. They are expected to examine the U-Haul’s mechanical condition, review driver history and analyze any social-media posts that might shed light on intent. The truck has been impounded for forensic inspection.

Witnesses with video or photographic evidence have been asked to contact detectives. Officials said anonymity will be granted to anyone reluctant to be publicly identified.

Further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available on the driver’s background, possible charges and the medical status of all individuals involved. Until then, law-enforcement agencies continue to treat the location as an active investigation scene.

Crédito da imagem: KABC