Street-smart Briefs
- Protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles resulted in several Waymo self-driving taxis being vandalized and set ablaze.
- Authorities are working with the company to investigate the incident and make arrests.
Scene Galore
Autonomous Waymo Vehicles Vandalized During Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Demonstration in Los Angeles
Several Waymo autonomous taxis endured a brutal night during a protest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in downtown Los Angeles. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators recklessly climbing on the vehicles, shattering windows, and defacing them with graffiti. At least five taxis were severely damaged, with flames engulfing them as the chaos continued on Sunday evening. A recent report by KTLA confirmed the incident [1].
One Twitter user lamented the senseless destruction, stating, "It's even sadder when you realize Waymo's are endangered, and this is 1/10th of all the remaining ones" [2].
The burning vehicles released toxic fumes, prompting authorities to issue a traffic advisory warning responders and others in the area. LAPD Central Division tweeted, "Burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, posing risks to responders and those nearby" [3].
Waymo initially responded by scaling back its operations temporarily in the Los Angeles area. Despite this, the company stated that they are continuing to operate in the city while exercising caution concerning deployments in the downtown district following the event. A Waymo spokesperson clarified to Decrypt that the company was not the primary target of the attacks [4].
As of now, Waymo is working with local law enforcement in the aftermath of the incident. However, the Los Angeles Police Department has not yet responded to Decrypt's request for comment.
Snapshot
The horrific incident of arson and vandalism against Waymo's self-driving taxis during a protest in Los Angeles remains inexplicable without further statements from protesters or organizers involved in the event. The targeted vehicles use lithium-ion batteries and the burning of such batteries could lead to detrimental environmental and health consequences due to the emission of toxic gases [1].
Enrichment Data:
Overall:On June 9, 2025, several Waymo self-driving taxis were vandalized and set on fire during a protest against ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles. The causes behind the attacks on the autonomous vehicles aren't fully elucidated. However, previous instances of vandalism against Waymo vehicles in San Francisco and Los Angeles suggest the possibility of a broader societal controversy regarding automated vehicles, technology, or the companies involved [1].
The destruction of these vehicles, powered by lithium-ion batteries, released hazardous gases posing risks to both responders and nearby spectators [1]. For a thorough understanding, additional statements from the protesters or organizers would be required.
- The vandalized and burned Waymo self-driving taxis in Los Angeles prompted authorities to work with the company to investigate the incident and make arrests.
- Social-media platforms were flooded with videos showing demonstrators vandalizing Waymo autonomous taxis during the ICE raids protest in Los Angeles.
- Amidst the chaos, concerns were raised about the potential environmental and health consequences as the burning of lithium-ion batteries might lead to the emission of toxic gases.
- general-news outlets have reported that the destruction of the Waymo self-driving taxis was 1/10th of all the remaining ones, highlighting the broader societal controversy regarding automated vehicles and technology.
- Crime-and-justice authorities are still seeking statements from protesters or organizers to fully explain the attack on Waymo's self-driving taxis during the ICE raids protest in downtown Los Angeles.
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