Sam Asghari shares video from LA rally that spiraled into chaos after U-Haul truck PLOWED into crowd

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Sam Asghari shared that he was protesting in Los Angeles for freedom when a U-Haul truck drove into the crowd, causing the rally to become chaotic.

On Sunday evening, the model and actor, originally from Iran and formerly married to Britney Spears, posted a video showing him joining a large protest while carrying the Iranian flag.

Thirty-one-year-old Sam Asghari joined a protest near the federal building in Westwood, an area with a large population of Iranian-Americans.

Demonstrators were calling for regime change and pushing back against political repression in Iran.

The calm protest became chaotic when a U-Haul truck sped towards the crowd of hundreds of people protesting outside the federal building.

A video shows the truck entering the crowd on Veteran Avenue at approximately 3:30 p.m., causing people to scream and run for safety.

Police officers removed the driver from his vehicle as protesters swarmed around him, throwing objects like flagpoles and trash, and even trying to hit him. One protester also jumped onto the truck and broke the windshield.

Protesters pursued the driver and attempted to attack him as police guided him away and placed him under arrest.

Demonstrators also tore political messages from the truck as tensions escalated.

According to witnesses, the truck sped towards the protesters, who were waving Iranian flags, and tried to drive through the crowd.

A large banner on the vehicle protested against the Shah and the current government, urging the USA not to intervene as it did in 1953, and rejecting religious leadership (‘No Mullah’).

A wave of panic spread when the truck stopped, and protesters quickly surrounded it, breaking windows and yelling in their fury.

Police officers removed a man from the truck and seemingly arrested him.

When police led the driver away, some protesters attempted to attack him with punches and flagpoles. Officers had to create a barrier to protect him from the crowd.

A truck caused injuries to three people, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Two of those injured didn’t need medical attention, but paramedics examined the third person at the scene.

Officers stayed at the scene to manage the crowd, and when they asked everyone to leave, the group quickly broke up.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called on people with different opinions to protest peacefully. She emphasized that even during tense times, it’s crucial for residents to remember that all demonstrations should remain peaceful, no matter how strong people feel about the issue.

The unrest in Los Angeles mirrors the deadly situation unfolding in Iran. 

Reports from the Human Rights Activists News Agency indicate that at least 583 people have died in the protests over the last two weeks.

Out of the roughly 400,000 Iranian immigrants in the United States, over a third live in the Los Angeles area.

Demonstrations in Iran have grown stronger since the start of the new year. The government, led by Ayatollah Khamenei, is believed to have restricted internet and phone service to limit communication with the rest of the world.

President Trump will likely receive updates from his advisors this week as he considers how the U.S. will react to Iran’s actions against protestors.

The Wall Street Journal reports that key leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Dan Caine, are likely to be at the meeting.

CNN reports that the U.S. is thinking about getting more involved in the region, but doesn’t plan to send troops there right now.

After the event, Asghari kept using social media to talk about the protest and the negative reactions it caused.

When someone on Instagram criticized the actor, calling him a ‘disgrace’ and telling him to leave the country if he was so patriotic, he replied directly on the platform.

As an American, I’m incredibly proud of what this country stands for. It’s amazing to me that people escaping hardship and unfairness elsewhere can come here and not just survive, but truly build fulfilling lives and make a real difference. That’s what makes this country so special to me.

As someone who looks at what truly defines the American spirit, I’ve always been impressed by the Iranian American community – they’re a real testament to the success that immigrants can achieve here. And honestly, what could be more American than peacefully protesting against something you believe is wrong, especially when you’re doing it while proudly displaying the flag and standing up for the values of freedom? It’s a powerful statement, and one I deeply admire.

Sam Asghari also shared a post from Eric Swalwell on his Instagram Stories, showing support for people protesting in Iran.

The statement highlighted that Iranians aren’t demanding much – simply a fair election where their votes are accurately counted, and the freedom to live without fear. The current protests, it said, represent a pivotal moment as people strive for change.

The message highlighted the contributions of Iranian Americans throughout California, including in Westwood, calling them a vital part of the state. It stressed that a free Iran must be created by Iranians themselves, not imposed by outside forces like the United States.

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2026-01-12 22:23