Photos show Waymo vehicles on fire during LA protests as company cuts service

In a dramatic turn of events during protests in downtown Los Angeles, several Waymo autonomous vehicles were set on fire on Sunday. These incidents coincided with widespread demonstrations against President Donald Trump's immigration policies. A representative from Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, confirmed that multiple vehicles were caught in the turmoil and could not be recovered. As a precaution, the company has decided to suspend its services in the affected areas until safety can be assured. The protests began on Friday following Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles and nearby communities. While many of the demonstrations remained peaceful, tensions escalated over the weekend, resulting in clashes between police and protesters near the Metropolitan Detention Center. In response to the unrest, California National Guard troops were deployed to the city, following President Trump's order to send 2,000 personnel. Images from the scene captured at least five Waymo robotaxis engulfed in flames, with anti-ICE slogans painted on the vehicles. The intent behind the attack on the cars remains unclear, although reports indicated that some individuals were seen throwing Lime e-scooters into the burning vehicles. The Los Angeles Police Department cautioned about the dangers posed by burning lithium-ion batteries, which emit toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, endangering both responders and bystanders. Waymo had launched its robotaxi service across an expansive area of Los Angeles in 2024, also operating in parts of San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin.