Crime
Several injured after U-Haul truck drives through protest in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Multiple people were injured after a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd during an Iranian protest on Veterans Avenue in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
The incident occurred near the federal building at 1338 Veteran Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered for a pro–Pahlavi, anti-regime rally.
Video circulating on social media shows a U-Haul truck bearing political slogans related to Iran’s monarchy entering the area of the protest and moving directly through a group of demonstrators.
Witnesses reported that as the truck approached the crowd, several protesters attempted to block its path, striking the vehicle and trying to pull the driver out.
In some footage, individuals can be seen attempting to remove or cover slogans displayed on the truck. Despite these efforts, the driver continued inching forward and ultimately drove into people in the crowd.
Authorities stated that multiple individuals were injured in the incident.
While no fatalities have been confirmed, witnesses described the situation as chaotic and potentially deadly.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and treated victims, while law enforcement worked to secure the area.
Police said individuals on the ground attempted to confront the person inside the U-Haul prior to the vehicle moving through the crowd.
Officers subsequently established a perimeter and began moving demonstrators away from the emergency response zone to allow first responders to operate safely.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet released the identity of the driver or confirmed whether the incident is being investigated as an intentional act or a traffic-related offense.
Officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further details will be provided as they become available.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.