Waymo robotaxis, Lime e-scooters set ablaze during LA protests

In a dramatic turn of events this weekend, several Waymo robotaxis and Lime e-scooters were set ablaze during protests in downtown Los Angeles. The unrest was fueled by demonstrations against immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration. Reports from the Los Angeles Times indicate that a group of protesters targeted five Waymo autonomous vehicles on Los Angeles Street on Sunday evening, vandalizing them by slashing tires, breaking windows, and spray-painting messages against ICE. The situation escalated as three Waymo vehicles were set on fire, creating a chaotic scene where the vehicles began honking their horns in a synchronized uproar. Some protesters even threw Lime e-scooters into the burning wreckage of the Waymo Jaguar I-Paces. The Los Angeles Police Department cautioned that the combustion of lithium-ion batteries can emit hazardous gases such as hydrogen fluoride, posing health risks to nearby individuals. While the motives behind the attack on Waymo vehicles remain unclear, it is worth noting that law enforcement has previously utilized footage from robotaxi companies in their investigations. For instance, in April, 404 Media reported that the LAPD released video captured by a Waymo car in connection with an unrelated hit-and-run case. Both Waymo and Lime have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the incidents. Since Waymo initiated its self-driving ride-hail service in Los Angeles in November 2024, its vehicles have faced multiple acts of vandalism across various cities. Notably, in July 2024, a resident in the Bay Area was arrested for vandalizing 17 Waymo cars over a span of three days. The protests in Los Angeles began on June 6, triggered by a series of aggressive ICE operations that resulted in the arrest of over 100 immigrants. The demonstrations, which included both peaceful and violent elements, spread over the weekend to cities like Paramount and Compton, causing significant disruptions on major freeways. In response to the unrest, President Trump announced the federalization of the California National Guard, deploying up to 300 troops to Los Angeles. This decision faced opposition from state and city officials, with California Governor Gavin Newsom requesting the withdrawal of National Guard personnel, describing the move as a violation of state sovereignty. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also indicated that he was ready to mobilize Marines should the violence persist. As tensions continue to rise, videos have surfaced showing LAPD officers using batons and rubber bullets against anti-ICE protesters and even some journalists, highlighting the intense atmosphere surrounding these demonstrations.