Waymo suspends service in parts of L.A. after its robotaxis torched

The Washington Post ^ | June 9, 2025 | Aaron Gregg

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The Los Angeles Police Department also urged people to steer clear of downtown because burning lithium-ion batteries can release toxic fumes.

Waymo has cut off taxi service to parts of Los Angeles after five of its self-driving vehicles were torched during weekend protests about immigration raids.

Images Sunday of downtown show Waymo vehicles covered with graffiti. One photo shows protesters waving Mexican and Guatemalan flags while standing atop a Waymo vehicle, while another appears to show a protester hitting the vehicle with a skateboard. The Los Angeles Times reported that some Lime e-scooters also were tossed into the blaze.

Waymo confirmed Monday that it removed vehicles from downtown Los Angeles and is not servicing that specific area “out of an abundance of caution.”

The Los Angeles Police Department warned members of the public to stay away from the city center to avoid toxic fumes. “Burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, posing risks to responders and those nearby,” the agency wrote in a social media post.

Los Angeles has been embroiled in protests over the Trump administration’s immigration raids. Hundreds of National Guard troops were dispatched by the White House on Sunday in a show of force that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called “unconstitutional.” Although most protesters appeared peaceful, the demonstrations escalated throughout the weekend. More than 50 protesters were arrested after clashes with law enforcement.

It’s unclear why the protesters targeted vehicles operated by Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

The company said in a statement that it has “no reason to believe” it was specifically targeted. A police spokesperson said the department does not have specific information on the incidents...

[Jeff Chandler]

Mostly peaceful again.

[Opinionated Blowhard]

[fidelis]

[DAC21]

I had to visit San Fran. last week for a Service for my BIL. I saw a lot Waymo EV Jaguars in the Financial district. Trippy watching them.

[adorno]

The Los Angeles Police Department also urged people to steer clear of downtown because burning lithium-ion batteries can release toxic fumes.

To which Newsome says, 'No, no, no; you can't say that about EVs with electric batteries. You're demonizing our EV mandate. Take it back!"

[Bruce Campbells Chin]

“Mostly peaceful” is irrelevant even if true. The ONLY thing that matters is the number who are not peaceful. 100 violent people don’t do any less damage regardless of whether there are 10, or 10,000, non-violent people around them.

[SunkenCiv]

I didn't find the "Total Recall" clip where the Johnny Cab is engulfed in flames as the robot says "hope you enjoyed the ride".

• Waymo vehicles set on fire in downtown L.A. as protesters, police clash [06/08/2025]
• 🚨BREAKING: Several Waymo vehicles have been torched by rioters in Los Angeles. [06/08/2025]
• Defenseless Waymo cars have been vandalised and set on fire in the LA protests [06/08/2025]
• Santa Monica residents go to war against Waymo, including obstructing driverless taxis [05/29/2025]
• Teamsters Charge Waymo {Google} with Violating San Francisco Anti-Corruption Law [10/27/2024]
• Self-driving cars are gathering at night to honk at each other [08/17/2024]
• Man arrested in L.A. for trying to steal Waymo robotaxi [03/03/2024]
• Waymo robotaxi goes up in flames in Chinatown after crowd attacks vehicle [02/11/2024]

[Jeff Chandler]

It’s unclear why the protesters targeted vehicles operated by Waymo

Du-uhhhh . . gee whiz, George.

The rioters booked rides at that location.

Morons.

[shadeaud]

I have a suspicion that these highly edumakated yutes thought they were Teslas.

[Bikkuri]

I had to look up what a “Waymo” was...

[Libloather]

Waymo - what happens after the third jelly donut?