Protesters vandalize Waymo taxis in downtown Los Angeles as tensions rise over immigration policies.
This past weekend, protests in downtown Los Angeles escalated dramatically, resulting in widespread vandalism of Waymo’s autonomous taxis. The protests, triggered by immigration raids, saw demonstrators targeting the taxis with slashed tires, smashed windows, and even setting some ablaze. The chaotic scenes were compounded by police intervention and the deployment of National Guard members. In response to the incidents, Waymo announced a temporary suspension of services in certain areas, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies amidst the turmoil.
This past weekend, downtown Los Angeles turned into a scene of chaos and destruction as protests ignited in response to recent immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration. What started as peaceful demonstrations took a dark turn by Sunday evening, leaving a number of Waymo’s autonomous taxis badly vandalized, some even set ablaze. Thick clouds of black smoke hung over the city as tensions boiled over.
The wave of protests began on Saturday, centered around California’s capital. Activists gathered in the Fashion District after individuals were reportedly detained in ICE raids, fueling frustrations within the community. On Sunday, the situation intensified. Reports flew in that President Trump had authorized the deployment of 300 U.S. National Guard members to Los Angeles to help control the unrest, an action that seemed to add fuel to the fire.
As the protests continued, crowds converged in the Civic Center area of downtown L.A. on Sunday morning, overflowing with emotion and determination. The situation escalated further when, around 3:30 p.m., protesters began to spill onto the 101 Freeway. Road closures soon followed, creating a standstill for motorists in the area for hours.
Among the shocking scenes that unfolded was the targeting of five Waymo taxis parked along Los Angeles Street. By 5 p.m., these autonomous vehicles became the focus of demonstrators’ frustrations. Protesters slashed tires, smashed windows, and vandalized the cabs with anti-ICE messages painted haphazardly across the surfaces.
As the anger escalated, **_three of the Waymo taxis were set on fire_**, with one vehicle reportedly ignited using what looked like a makeshift flamethrower. Other forms of vandalism included protesters tearing off doors and stomping on windshields, contributing to an atmosphere of destruction. To add to the chaotic scene, Lime electric scooters were hurled into the burning taxis, demonstrating the level of anger present at the protests.
The sound of honking horns echoed through the chaos, mixing with chanting from protesters, creating a surreal cacophony against the backdrop of police helicopters buzzing overhead. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the scene and quickly worked to extinguish the fires as toxic fumes began to permeate the air. The LAPD advised onlookers to stay clear of the area due to health concerns resulting from the burning of lithium-ion batteries in the vehicles, with an acrid smell wafting throughout the block.
Amidst the turmoil, Waymo issued a statement acknowledging the situation and mentioning that they were in touch with law enforcement regarding the incidents. For those unfamiliar, Waymo is a self-driving technology company that has been making waves in the transportation sector. Since launching its fleet of autonomous taxis in L.A. last November, it quickly became a hot topic, with a staggering waitlist of 300,000 eager customers.
By January, the company had racked up an impressive **_1.9 million miles_** of operations in the city, showcasing both interest and a shift in urban mobility. However, despite their growing popularity, these vehicles have not been immune to attacks from vandalism. Previously, instances of damage included an incident involving fireworks in San Francisco and multiple targeting episodes within a short timeframe in L.A.
Following the recent vandalism, Waymo announced they would temporarily suspend services in certain areas of Los Angeles for safety. The company reiterated that they do not believe their vehicles were specifically targeted during the protests but emphasized the importance of safety for both the public and their fleet. As the dust settles on this chaotic weekend, the fate of autonomous taxi services in L.A. hangs in the balance, as does the broader conversation about the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies in the country.
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