Authorities have identified and arrested the driver of a U-Haul truck that drove through an anti-Iranian regime protest in Los Angeles, as federal and local investigators continue probing the motive behind the incident.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Law enforcement officials on Monday identified the driver of a U-Haul truck that drove into an anti-Iranian regime protest in Los Angeles, triggering a multi-agency investigation and conflicting early reports about whether demonstrators were struck.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon in the Westwood neighborhood, where hundreds of demonstrators had gathered in solidarity with ongoing unrest in Iran. Protests inside Iran erupted Dec. 28, with demonstrators setting fires and burning mosques in opposition to the country’s Islamic government. In Los Angeles, marchers were moving along Veteran Avenue near the Federal Building when the truck entered the crowd, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“At approximately 1530 hours, the driver of a U-Haul truck collided with individuals marching along Veteran Avenue in the area of the Federal Building,” the LAPD stated in an initial post on X. “The driver (an adult male) has been detained pending further investigation into the incident.”
Shortly after that statement, police said a male individual had been struck but did not suffer significant injuries. A later update reversed that assessment, with the department stating that no one was ultimately hit by the vehicle.
The driver was later identified as 48-year-old Calor Madanescht. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of reckless driving and released on $0 bail, according to police.
“A Rescue Ambulance treated the individual at the scene. No one has been transported to the hospital for medical treatment,” the LAPD said.
Video footage circulating online shows the U-Haul truck driving through the protest as demonstrators shout, with one individual appearing to cling to the top of the vehicle. After the truck stopped, additional video shows protesters surrounding it and attempting to pull the driver out.
Police said protesters removed signage from the truck and “attacked the driver” before officers intervened.
“Individuals from the crowd jumped out of the truck’s path of travel to avoid being struck,” an LAPD press release stated. “Officers formed a skirmish line between the box truck and the crowd and took the driver into custody.”
Authorities searched and impounded the vehicle, reporting that “nothing significant” was found during the search.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said federal authorities were assisting in the investigation. In a post to X, he wrote that the FBI was working alongside LAPD to determine the driver’s motive.
“We are aware of this incident. FBI is on scene working with LAPD to determine the motive of the driver. This is an active investigation and we will update the public when we have more information,” Essayli said.
Images from the scene showed a banner on the truck that could be seen reading, “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” along with another banner written in a foreign language.
No motive has been released. The LAPD said its Major Crimes Division is maintaining investigative responsibility as the inquiry continues.
Original article
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