Los Angeles police arrest man who drove through Iran protesters

On January 12, 2026, Los Angeles police arrested a man who drove a truck through a crowd of people demonstrating in support of Iranian protesters. The incident is being investigated as a possible assault with a deadly weapon. The truck had a banner displaying the phrases "No Shah" and "Don't repeat 1953." These phrases appear to reference the 1953 US-backed coup in Iran. The demonstration was held in Los Angeles, though the specific location was not mentioned in the article. The motive for driving through the crowd is currently under investigation.

On Sunday in Los Angeles' Westwood neighborhood, a U-Haul truck drove through a march supporting the Iranian people, causing protesters to scatter. The driver, who was not identified, was detained by police after the truck was stopped several blocks away, surrounded by demonstrators. One person was hit by the truck, but no serious injuries were reported. The truck displayed a banner referencing the 1953 US-backed coup in Iran. The demonstration, attended by a large crowd protesting against the Iranian theocracy, took place in the area with the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. The incident occurred amidst ongoing protests in Iran, where activists say a crackdown has resulted in over 530 deaths.