California authorities are considering bringing assault charges against a U-Haul truck driver who allegedly plowed into a crowd of people protesting the Iranian regime in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The suspect was arrested at the scene for reckless driving, the Los Angeles Police Department said on Monday. However, he could face additional, more serious charges if deemed fit by investigators.
The alleged attacker was identified as 48-year-old Calor Madanescht. His motive is still under investigation.
Using the U-Haul truck as a deadly weapon in the incident, Madanescht allegedly drove toward a group of protesters. At least one person was confirmed to have been hit by the truck, but no significant injuries were reported.
On the side of the vehicle was a sign that said “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.” The phrase referenced a U.S.-backed coup in 1953, when the Iranian prime minister at the time was overthrown and succeeded by the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, as Iran’s leader.
Pahlavi’s son, the exiled crown prince, has called for peaceful protests against the Islamic regime in Iran.
The protesters in Los Angeles were standing in solidarity with Iranians when the vehicle-ramming attack unfolded in the Westwood neighborhood.
MULTIPLE PEOPLE INJURED AFTER U-HAUL TRUCK PLOWS INTO CROWD OF IRAN PROTESTERS IN LOS ANGELES
Demonstrators attempted to get out of the truck’s path and tried pursuing the vehicle to attack the driver with flagpoles and other objects. Police did not say whether he was seriously hurt.
The LAPD Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI. Federal authorities are trying to determine whether the attack was politically motivated.