U-Haul Plows Into Los Angeles Crowd Supporting Iran Protests; Driver Identified, Investigation Underway
A U-Haul drove into Westwood protesters supporting Iran on Jan. 11; driver detained, identified as Calor Madanescht; investigators, including the FBI, probe possible assault motive.
Overview
On Jan. 11 in Westwood, Los Angeles, hundreds marched near the Wilshire Federal Building in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Iran when a U-Haul drove into the crowd.
Video footage shows the truck driving through protesters, who surrounded the vehicle, broke windows, removed signs reading political messages and tried to pull the driver from the cab.
The LAPD detained a 48-year-old suspect, identified as Calor Madanescht; he was arrested for reckless driving and may face additional assault charges as investigators review the case.
Officials said at least one person was struck but reported no significant injuries; paramedics evaluated people at the scene and no one was transported to a hospital.
The LAPD Major Crimes Division and the FBI are investigating to determine motive and whether the incident was politically motivated amid nationwide Iranian protests.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources exhibit editorial framing by amplifying danger and law‑and‑order cues: vivid verbs (e.g., 'plowed into', 'forcibly drives through'), focus on chaotic crowd reactions, and emphasis on LAPD/FBI involvement. Background linking to Iran protests and activist casualty estimates is included with limited independent verification, shaping a threat-and-context narrative.
Sources (8)
FAQ
The driver is Calor Madanescht, a 48-year-old man arrested for reckless driving.
At least one protester was struck but sustained no significant injuries; two people were evaluated at the scene and declined treatment; the driver was injured by protesters afterward.
The LAPD Major Crimes Division and FBI are investigating to determine if the incident was politically motivated; one official stated it stemmed from an altercation in the crowd rather than politics.
Hundreds protested in solidarity with anti-government demonstrators in Iran demanding regime change due to economic issues, amid reports of over 530 deaths in Iran protests.
History
5 sources