Westwood Protest: U-Haul Driver Shares His Experience of Being Directed into the Street
U-Haul Driver Defends Actions Amid Protest Incident in Westwood
LOS ANGELES – A U-Haul driver involved in a confrontation with protesters during a pro-Iran rally in Westwood is speaking out to clarify his intentions, asserting he never aimed to harm anyone. Calor Madanescht claims he has been misrepresented following the widespread circulation of video footage documenting the incident.
In the viral clips, Madanescht’s truck can be seen navigating through a crowd of demonstrators gathered on Veteran Avenue in support of the Iranian people. "I had no intention to hit anybody," he stated, emphasizing his desire for peace and human rights in Iran.
Madanescht described the escalation of the situation, stating that he was attacked by some protesters. He expressed fear for his safety and noted that several individuals from the crowd assisted him in creating a path for his escape. "I was really afraid for my life," he recounted. "They were telling me, ‘Go, go,’ and they opened the path, as you see in the video."
The driver points to footage he claims shows an LAPD officer gesturing for him to enter Veteran Avenue, insisting that his original intention was to join the protest, not disrupt it. His truck bore signs with messages critical of both the Iranian regime and U.S. involvement in Iranian affairs, which Madanescht noted prompted backlash from some pro-Shah demonstrators. He displayed injuries, including stitches on his hand, which he attributed to self-defense against an assailant. "I don’t know what it was—a knife or something," he said.
Witnesses to the incident have provided conflicting accounts. Mehdi, a protester, described seeing Madanescht being assaulted, stating, "They kept punching him, hitting him… he has a right to free speech." Conversely, another individual raised doubts about the legality of the U-Haul’s entry into a crowded area.
Madanescht insists he did not have any harmful intentions. He has only been charged with a misdemeanor for reckless driving, a fact he emphasizes. "The reality is I peacefully came, cooperated with LAPD, and I’m deeply grateful for them," he remarked, commending the police for their efforts to ensure his safety.
As the case continues to be reviewed, Madanescht is contemplating contesting the misdemeanor charge against him.
