Waymo Fires: Vehicle Attacks & Safety Concerns
- Los Angeles – Several Waymo autonomous vehicles were set ablaze in downtown Los Angeles Sunday during protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
- According to a spokesperson for Alphabet, Waymo's parent company, five vehicles sustained damage and could not be recovered from the protest area.
- The demonstrations, triggered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, began friday.
Waymo vehicles were set ablaze during Los Angeles protests, raising immediate safety concerns and prompting service suspensions. The unrest, sparked by immigration enforcement actions, led to the destruction of five autonomous vehicles, revealing the vulnerability of self-driving technology amid civil disturbances. This incident highlights the potential for vandalism and property damage, as authorities launch investigations into the events that unfolded downtown. The role of autonomous vehicles in volatile areas is now under scrutiny,and questions arise about the long-term implications of such events.News Directory 3 provides crucial updates as the situation evolves, including the deployment of the National Guard and legal challenges to the federal response. Discover what’s next for Waymo and the future of autonomous vehicles in a climate of social unrest.
Waymo Cars Torched Amid LA Protests Over Immigration Crackdown
Updated June 9, 2025
Los Angeles – Several Waymo autonomous vehicles were set ablaze in downtown Los Angeles Sunday during protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following immigration enforcement operations in the city.
According to a spokesperson for Alphabet, Waymo’s parent company, five vehicles sustained damage and could not be recovered from the protest area. In response, Waymo has temporarily suspended its service in the affected zone, acting on guidance from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The demonstrations, triggered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, began friday. While initially peaceful, clashes between protesters and law enforcement escalated near the Metropolitan Detention Center over the weekend. the California national guard was deployed Sunday after President trump ordered 2,000 troops to the city. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state plans to sue the Trump governance over the move to federalize the National Guard.
Images from the scene showed Waymo robotaxis engulfed in flames, with anti-ICE graffiti spray-painted on the vehicles. It remains unclear if the vehicles were specifically targeted. The Los Angeles Times reported some individuals were seen throwing Lime e-scooters onto the burning cars.
The LAPD issued a statement via X, warning that burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, posing a risk to first responders and nearby individuals.
Waymo launched its robotaxi service in Los Angeles in 2024, covering more than 80 square miles. the service also operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin, texas. The incident raises concerns about the role of autonomous vehicles in areas prone to civil unrest, and the potential for vandalism and property damage.
What’s next
Authorities are investigating the incident, and Waymo is assessing the extent of the damage. The deployment of the National Guard is expected to continue, and legal challenges to the federal action are anticipated.