U-Haul plows into Westwood protest; driver detained after chaotic scene

A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of protesters outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Westwood during demonstrations against Iran’s government. The driver, Calor Madanescht, 48, was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and held without bail; police said he was injured in the incident, though authorities later said no one reported being struck. The confrontation prompted a large police response, with FBI on scene and DOJ monitoring the investigation, while officials said the attack did not appear politically motivated. The rally drew up to about 3,000 people and led to temporary offramps closures as protesters dispersed; Mayor Bass urged peaceful demonstrations as the investigation continues.