On Sunday, January 11, 2026, tensions flared in LA’s Westwood neighborhood when a U-Haul truck plowed into a crowd of protesters rallying in solidarity with demonstrators in Iran. At least two people were hurt, though both declined treatment, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. 🚑
First responders also checked on a third person nearby, but no one was transported to hospital. Law enforcement officers quickly detained a suspect at the scene. Videos from local station KABC show protesters confronting the man as he was led away, some swinging flagpoles in anger. 😡
This rally was part of a wave of global gatherings in support of Iranians who have been taking to the streets since late December, protesting a sharp fall in the rial and deep economic challenges. Inside Iran, clashes between police and those labeled ‘rioters’ by authorities have turned deadly, with the semi-official Tasnim news agency describing recent deaths as significant.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to state-run IRIB, saying the government is determined to tackle economic woes and is ‘ready to listen to its people.’ He also accused the United States and Israel of stoking instability after last year’s 12-day conflict. 📺
For tech-savvy activists here in South and Southeast Asia, these events underscore the power of digital solidarity. From sharing clips on Instagram Stories to joining Twitter threads, you can amplify voices across borders. 🌏📱
Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops, and let us know what you think about global protest movements. Drop your thoughts on social media using #IranProtests and #Solidarity! ✊🏼✨
Reference(s):
2 injured after truck plows into Iran protest crowd in Los Angeles
cgtn.com
