Yesterday in LA's Westwood neighborhood, a driver allegedly drove a U-Haul truck into a crowd gathered for an Iran solidarity rally 🚨. At least two people were hurt, though both declined medical treatment, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Firefighters and paramedics also checked on a third person nearby. Law enforcement detained a man from the vehicle, and tensions flared as some protesters confronted him with punches and flag poles.
This rally was one of many worldwide showing support for Iranians protesting since late December over a plunging rial and economic hardship. In recent days, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported a significant death toll in clashes between police and 'rioters,' without providing exact figures.
On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the state-run IRIB news agency that his government is 'ready to listen to its people' and urged citizens to refrain from any 'destructive actions'. He also accused the United States and Israel of ordering 'rioters' to create instability in Iran following last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran.
As global solidarity rallies continue, safety concerns are rising amid heightened emotions on both sides ✊
Reference(s):
2 injured after truck plows into Iran protest crowd in Los Angeles
cgtn.com
