Statins may act on an enzyme called endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which stimulates nitric oxide production. Increased nitric oxide has anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects...
In the Injury Theory, it's damage to the arterial endothelium, followed by platelet activation, then smooth muscle cell migration to injury, then macrophages, with resulting "foam cells." Engorged foam cells burst, starting the injury cycle all over again