2026 Los Angeles ramming attack
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into :Reactions to the 2025–2026 Iranian protests. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2026. |
| 2026 Los Angeles ramming attack | |
|---|---|
| Part of the 2025–2026 Iranian protests abroad | |
| Location | Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 665: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| Date | Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 665: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
Attack type | Vehicle-ramming attack |
| Weapon | U-Haul truck |
Non-fatal injuries | 2 |
On January 11, 2026, a U-Haul truck was used to ram into a crowd of anti-Iranian government protesters in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, amidst the 2025–2026 Iranian protests. The solidarity rally in support of the Iranian protesters was scheduled to start at 2 p.m. outside of the Wilshire Federal Building in the 11000 block of Wilshire Boulevard, and the vehicle plowed into a crowd estimated at more than 3,000 people at around 3:34 pm.[1][2] At least two people were injured.[3] The truck displayed a sign saying: "No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah."[2] A similar slogan, "No to Shah, No to Mullahs", has been used by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which is the political wing of the Islamist-Marxist organization, People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK).[4] Many Iranians on social media pointed out that the messaging on the side of the truck is commonly associated with supporters of the MEK.[5]
Attack
Before the attack, a crowd of more than 3,000 protesters was demonstrating in Westwood, Los Angeles, near a federal building, in support of the Iranian protesters.[2][6][7] During the protests, a U-Haul truck rammed into the crowd and left 2 people injured.[3] Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department secured the area surrounding the truck, which showed visible damage, including a shattered windshield and broken windows, after crowds attacked the vehicle.[2] Per the Los Angeles Times, the suspect had no prior arrest record.[6]
Investigation
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Calor Madanescht, 48, was staging a counterdemonstration as he approached protesters gathered near the Federal Building in Westwood.[8] Investigators said the truck was searched and impounded, but nothing significant was found inside.[8] Madanescht was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail with $0 bail, and faced a misdemeanor charge for reckless driving.[8] Madanescht was arrested but released the following day on his own recognizance.[9][10] Authorities allege Madanescht deliberately drove the truck into the protest area.[10] Investigators said they do not view the incident as terrorism or politically driven, and said the driver does not have a known criminal record.[10] The FBI was present and working alongside LAPD as investigators assess motive, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles City Attorney.[10][8]
References
- ↑ "U-Haul truck drives into large crowd in Los Angeles during anti-Iranian regime rally - CBS Los Angeles". CBS News. 2026-01-11. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Several injured when U-Haul truck plows into demonstrators in Westwood". KTLA. Retrieved Jan 12, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thao Nguyen; James Powel. "2 injured after U-Haul plowed into LA rally supporting Iran protests". USA Today. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- ↑ Galestan, Mansoureh (Jan 8, 2026). "Iran Uprising Day 12: Revolution Intensifies as Regime Deploys Foreign Mercenaries and Blacks Out Internet". Retrieved Jan 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Truck plows into crowd of Iran regime protesters in LA | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2026-01-12. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "U-Haul truck drives into protesters, sparking chaos at Westwood protest against Iran government". Los Angeles Times. 2026-01-12. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- ↑ "Video captures chaos as U-Haul truck accelerates into Iran protest in L.A." KTLA.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "U-Haul driver charged after chaos at Iran protest in L.A."
- ↑ "U-Haul driver identified, released following arrest for reckless driving during Westwood protest".
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "U-Haul Truck Drives Through Free Iran March in Westwood; Driver Charged with Misdemeanor and Released".
External links
This article "2026 Los Angeles ramming attack" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:2026 Los Angeles ramming attack. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
