American political commentator and social media influencer Jackson Hinkle was filmed on stage leading crowds in chants of “Down With The USA” during a large nighttime pro-regime rally in Tehran’s Revolutionary Square.
The video shows a massive crowd of thousands waving Iranian flags under floodlights. On stage, Hinkle is seen actively participating in the chants alongside other speakers in front of banners featuring Persian/Arabic script and Iranian flag motifs.
The footage was captured during ongoing funeral-related events following the death of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hinkle had publicly posted from Tehran days earlier (July 4), stating it was “the duty of every American patriot” to honor Khamenei’s life.
The clip quickly went viral and sparked intense outrage online. Many Americans called Hinkle a traitor, with comments demanding his arrest upon return to the United States and even calls to revoke his passport. Critics described the scene as “unbelievable” and “humiliating” for an American citizen.
Some users initially questioned whether the video was real or edited, but Hinkle’s own recent posts from Tehran and multiple independent reports confirming his presence in Iran have validated the footage.
Hinkle, a well-known online figure with pro-Iran and anti-Western views, has been in Iran attending events surrounding Khamenei’s funeral. Iranian officials and state-aligned accounts have praised his presence. The rally appears consistent with standard regime-organized gatherings that routinely feature “Death to America” and similar slogans.
