On a tense Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, a protest against the Iranian regime took a dramatic turn when demonstrators confronted a U-Haul truck that unexpectedly drove into their midst. The protesters, in a surge of anger and defiance, smashed the vehicle’s windshield and used flag poles as makeshift weapons against the driver, who was eventually detained by police.

Footage captured from the scene paints a vivid picture of the chaos as the crowd surged towards the truck, surrounding it with fervor. Chants echoed through the air as people expressed their outrage at the driver seated behind the wheel.

Amid the turmoil, one protester climbed onto the truck, furiously stomping on its windshield, while others wielded Iranian flags attached to poles, thrusting them through an open passenger window in a display of aggression towards the suspect.

In addition to the physical confrontation, a banner on the side of the truck was torn down. The banner, emblazoned with the message “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH,” highlighted the political sentiments driving the protest.

The incident underscored the intense emotions surrounding the demonstration, with protesters determined to make their voices heard against the backdrop of Iran’s political climate. As the day unfolded, the arrival of law enforcement helped restore order, taking the driver into custody and bringing a temporary calm to the charged atmosphere.

As the driver tried to exit the truck through the driver-side door, the crowd could be seen pushing the door closed. Police eventually made their way through the swarm of people and took the man inside the truck into custody.

Police said the adult male driver has been detained pending further investigation. His identity has yet to be released. (Alaleh Kamran via Storyful)

The incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. Sunday along Veteran Avenue near the Federal Building in the Westwood neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Police said the adult male driver has been detained pending further investigation.

“At this time, one person was confirmed struck by the vehicle (an adult male); however, no significant injuries have been reported,” LAPD said. “A Rescue Ambulance treated the individual at the scene.  No one has been transported to the hospital for medical treatment.”

A driver allegedly drove a U-Haul truck through a crowd during a Los Angeles demonstration in support of the Iranian people on Sunday. (KTTV)

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a U-Haul truck moving quickly through a dense crowd as people screamed. In one video, a person appeared to hang onto the side of the vehicle and bang on a window as it continued moving.

Law enforcement has not yet released the driver’s identity or said what charges he may face.

Hundreds had gathered in the Westwood neighborhood as part of a march backing protesters in Iran. (KTTV)

The Iranian American Republican Council (IARC) released a statement condemning the incident as a “terrorist attack.”

“We strongly condemn this violent act and call on the appropriate authorities of the United States to conduct a full and transparent investigation and to hold those responsible fully accountable under the law,” the statement read, in part.

The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have spread nationwide, evolving into a direct challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 583 people have been killed in Iran since the unrest erupted two weeks ago.