LOS ANGELES, CA – A recent incident involving a U-Haul truck driving through a volatile anti-Iranian regime protest in Westwood, California, has sparked significant controversy and debate. The driver, identified as Calor Ma Da Nescht, claims the chaotic event was a "big misunderstanding," asserting he had no intention of causing harm during the demonstration.
The incident, which occurred near the Westwood federal building, drew widespread attention after exclusive video footage captured the moment police extracted Ma Da Nescht from the vehicle. He was subsequently arrested on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving. The event unfolded amidst ongoing, passionate demonstrations against the Iranian regime, which have seen thousands killed and arrested in recent weeks, according to human rights monitoring groups.
Driver's Defense: A Misguided Delivery
Speaking to Eyewitness News, Ma Da Nescht defended his actions, stating his presence was meant to support the voices of Iranians inside the country, not to intimidate protesters. "I had no intention to hurt anybody," he stated. He further claimed that individuals supporting him, including some who were interacting with the LAPD, were attempting to clear a path for him. "I came to deliver the Iranian voices from inside Iran. Not what American people see on the TVs," he explained.
Ma Da Nescht suggested that the conflict arose primarily from a “small minority” of attendees who disagreed with his message. He alleged that the majority of the demonstrators were supportive of his intentions. However, this perspective sharply contrasts with the accounts provided by many protesters who experienced the event firsthand.
Protesters Describe Chaos and Fear
Eyewitnesses and participants painted a different picture of the incident. Videos from the scene show protesters actively trying to stop the moving U-Haul as it maneuvered through the crowd. Sean Zarrabi, a protester who attended the rally, described the driver’s actions as reckless and dangerous. "He did a terrible decision by coming with an unlicensed truck into the crowd and smashing people," Zarrabi told reporters. "Come make your argument, but running people down with your truck is a terrible thing to do. It's a terrorist act and doesn't help anything."
The political messaging displayed on Ma Da Nescht's U-Haul further fueled suspicions among attendees. Signs reportedly included slogans such as "No shah," leading many to believe the driver was intentionally targeting specific factions within the broader anti-regime movement based on their political alignments.
Context: Ongoing Protests and International Concern
This event did not occur in a vacuum. The protests in question have been ongoing for nearly three weeks, initially sparked by economic hardship, including rising inflation and currency devaluation within Iran. The crackdown by security forces has been severe, with activist agencies reporting thousands of casualties and arrests. While the Iranian government has acknowledged security force losses, independent verification of casualty figures remains challenging.
Protesters like Zarrabi emphasized the urgency of their demonstrations in the US, aiming to amplify the voices of those silenced back home. "People are helpless inside Iran, under pressure, economically. No freedom. Nobody can get their voice out, and we're trying to be their voice here living outside the country," he said.
Legal Ramifications and Community Response
Ma Da Nescht’s arrest on misdemeanor reckless driving charges underscores the seriousness with which authorities viewed the maneuver, regardless of his stated intent. While the incident highlights the deep political divisions present within the Iranian diaspora community in Southern California, it also raises questions about the boundaries of protest expression in public spaces.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the high emotions surrounding the political situation in Iran, where passions often spill over into public demonstrations in cities like Los Angeles. As legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further clarity on the circumstances that led a commercial vehicle to become the focal point of a tense political standoff.
The LAPD has not issued further detailed statements beyond confirming the arrest and the nature of the charge. Meanwhile, activists continue to organize, determined to maintain international focus on the situation within Iran.
