At least 2 people were injured after a driver rammed a U-Haul truck into a crowd during an anti-Iranian regime protest in Los Angeles on Jan. 11, authorities and fire officials said.
Hundreds of people were demonstrating in Westwood, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, in support of Iranian protesters when a U-Haul truck plowed into the group,KNBCandKABC-TVreported. Local TV stations described a chaotic scene as a large group of people surrounded the truck.
"We can confirm that a U-Haul truck plowed through a group of protesters this afternoon," the Los Angeles Police Department told USA TODAY. "We are still gathering information and do not have the number of injuries as of now."
Anti-government protests in Iran appeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders.The uptick in unrest also comes as President Donald Trump warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue."
See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified.
See Iran's anti-government protests, huge crowds, unrest in photos
Anti-government protests in Iranappeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders.
The uptick in unrest also comes as PresidentDonald Trumpwarned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, sayingWashington "will come to their rescue."See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified.
Two people were evaluated at the scene, but both declined to be transported to the hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. No other injuries were reported, and the crowd was "voluntarily dispersing" by around 4:43 p.m. local time, the fire department said.
Earlier, the fire department reported that the size of the crowd was delaying their response time.
Protesters were marching in support ofanti-government demonstrations in Iran, which have entered their third week and have resulted in hundreds of deaths. Human rights organizations have condemned the violent crackdown.
Iran protests:What to know about the anti-government demonstrations as Trump warns the country's leaders
As of Jan. 11, theHuman Rights Activists News Agencyhas estimated that over 580 people have been killed since the unrest began in the Middle Eastern country. More than 10,600 people have been detained by authorities, according to the human rights group.
Iran has not provided any official figures. A government-imposedinternet blackouthas cut off much communication with those inside the country since Jan. 8, impeding the flow of information.
This is a developing story. Follow@USATODAYfor additional updates.
Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:U-Haul driver plows in Los Angeles rally supporting protests in Iran
