The driver of a U-Haul truck that drove through a crowd of protesters against the Iranian government in Los Angeles on Sunday has been arrested. This incident, which happened around 3:30 PM, escalated when protesters surrounded the vehicle and began throwing objects at it until police intervened.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Karol Madanesht, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department on charges of reckless driving. Video footage shows a chaotic scene, with numerous individuals rushing towards the truck and shouting at the driver. Amid the disturbance, someone got into the truck and forcefully stomped on its windshield, while another used a flagpole associated with an Iranian flag, creating an alarming visual as it was thrust into the truck’s passenger window.
During the turmoil, a protester ripped down a banner attached to the truck that read in bold letters: “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH.”
As Madanesht tried to exit through his door, the crowd pushed it closed, further escalating tensions until law enforcement could reach him. The adult male driver was detained while authorities continued their investigation; however, his identity has not been disclosed.
Initially, LAPD confirmed that one person was struck by the truck, but fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported. The individual received on-site medical attention without needing hospitalization.
The truck was impounded afterward, but according to police reports, nothing significant was found inside the vehicle.
A video circulating on social media depicted the truck moving rapidly through a densely packed crowd, with at least one person visibly clinging to the side and banging on the window as it sped away.
The Iranian American Republican Council condemned the event, labeling it a “terrorist attack” and calling for an extensive investigation to ensure accountability.
This incident unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing protests in Iran, which have now transitioned from economic discontent to direct opposition to the country’s clerical leadership. Reports from a human rights organization indicate that at least 583 people have lost their lives in the unrest since it began two weeks ago.
