A man identified as Calor Madanescht, 48, was arrested for ramming protesters during a demonstration against Iran’s Islamic regime in Los Angeles but was released on $0 bail after being charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. According to police reports, the incident occurred when demonstrators tore signs from his U-Haul truck and attacked him before he drove toward a group of LAPD officers.
Iranian dissidents have organized one of the largest political demonstrations against Iran’s ruling Islamic regime, which has been met with brutal state violence, resulting in hundreds of deaths—some estimates exceed 1,000 fatalities. The protests, supported by groups across the globe, saw violent confrontations in Westwood as Madanescht drove his truck into the crowd.
The truck bore signs indicating opposition to the demonstration, including “No Shah,” referencing the former Western-backed Shah of Iran before the Islamic regime overthrew him. However, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating whether Madanescht intentionally rammed protesters or was reacting to being surrounded by the demonstration.
Los Angeles Police Department stated that officers stopped the truck and directed Madanescht to turn around, after which demonstrators attacked him. No significant items were found inside the vehicle following impoundment. Madanescht was released from Los Angeles County Jail with $0 bail pending review by the city attorney.
Iranian and Middle East studies professor Ciruce Movahedi-Lankarani at USC noted that Madanescht appeared to oppose both the Islamic regime and the previous Shah, adding that state actions to disrupt communications have hindered accurate reporting on protest-related casualties. “It’s difficult to know the scale because communications have been cut off,” she said. “The government doesn’t want news easily spread about what is happening there.”
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump publicly expressed support for anti-regime protesters and announced aid was en route.
