Driver of U-Haul Truck Involved in Protest Incident Speaks Out
LOS ANGELES — The driver of a U-Haul truck that hit a crowd of protesters claimed he “didn’t mean to hit anyone” during a recent incident. Karol Madanesht expressed his fear for his safety in a statement following the event.
“I was really scared for my life,” he recalled, stating that video footage appeared to show police officers directing him to move through the crowd.
Madanesht mentioned that once protesters approached his vehicle, some individuals helped clear a path for him to proceed safely.
“As you can see in the video, they told me, ‘Go, go,’ and they paved the way,” he explained.
The protesters were demonstrating against the Iranian regime, expressing solidarity with those in Tehran. They had gathered in Westwood, where Madanesht drove through a group of several hundred people, resulting in injuries to two individuals.
After the incident, he was arrested and charged with reckless driving but later released on his own recognizance.
Madanesht believes the video did not accurately represent his actions that day. “What I want is peace and human rights for all people and minorities in Iran,” he stated, mentioning that he felt he was defending himself after an alleged attack.
Some witnesses at the scene echoed Madanesht’s perspective. One protester, identified as Mehdi, relayed his support, claiming he saw the driver being assaulted by the crowd. “They kept beating him,” he noted, adding that the crowd broke windows and physically attacked the truck.
However, other demonstrators questioned how such a large vehicle was allowed in a street crowded with protesters. They expressed concerns about the police’s role in the situation.
Madanesht has pleaded not guilty and is considering contesting the misdemeanor charge against him. The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the incident.
“The reality is, I came peacefully and cooperated with the Los Angeles Police Department, and I’m deeply grateful to them,” he remarked. “They deserve the highest praise for risking their lives to save mine.”
