Waymo Self-Driving Cars Set Ablaze Amid Protests: Why LA Suspended Its Groundbreaking Robotaxi Service
Waymo halts downtown LA robotaxi rides after several vehicles are burned in fiery protests over immigration enforcement raids.
- 6+ Waymo cars destroyed by fire in downtown LA protests
- Service suspended: No Waymo robotaxis operating downtown as of today
- First-ever shutdown of LA robotaxi service since launch in November 2024
- Lithium-ion battery fires raised toxic chemical concerns
Los Angeles became a flashpoint this weekend as angry demonstrations over federal immigration raids turned violent — with autonomous technology caught in the crossfire. Multiple Waymo self-driving taxis, an Alphabet-owned innovation at the forefront of the driverless revolution, went up in flames after being vandalized and set ablaze by protesters in downtown LA.
Shocking footage quickly spread across social media showing thick black smoke billowing from unmanned taxis, which were spray-painted with slogans attacking both former President Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Investigators reported at least six driverless Waymo cars were torched on Los Angeles Street during the chaos, their lithium-ion batteries releasing hazardous gases into the air.
For the first time since its public launch in November 2024, Waymo’s LA robotaxi service was halted in the city center. Citing safety concerns, Waymo informed users that all self-driving vehicles had been withdrawn from downtown, effective immediately. The company is working closely with the Los Angeles Police Department as the aftermath unfolds.
As the fires burned, first responders watched from a safe distance, wary of the toxic fumes released by overheated lithium-ion batteries—most notably hydrogen fluoride, a dangerous chemical for both people and firefighters.
Waymo, a flagship autonomous-vehicle project by Alphabet, has operated robotaxis in San Francisco for several years; the service’s white, spotless cars had recently become a familiar sight in the streets of Los Angeles as part of the city’s embrace of AI-powered urban mobility.
Why Did Protesters Target Waymo Driverless Cars?
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Protests erupted following a wave of high-profile federal immigration enforcement actions across Southern California. Emotions boiled over as demonstrators used the highly visible Waymo vehicles as symbols of both technological change and government authority.
Though the exact motivations remain unclear, many on the scene expressed outrage not just at immigration raids, but at broader concerns over surveillance, job security, and the role of Big Tech in American life—a sentiment amplified in a city famous for both activism and innovation.
How Dangerous Are Burning Robotaxis? Toxic Risks Explained
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When a lithium-ion battery ignites, the risks escalate rapidly. These batteries, found in nearly all electric vehicles, can release hazardous fumes—especially hydrogen fluoride—posing serious health risks to anyone nearby. LA authorities chose to let the burning cars smolder rather than risk responder safety, underscoring how EVs create new challenges for emergency teams.
Can You Still Ride Waymo in LA? What Users Need to Know Now
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At present, Waymo has only suspended operations in downtown Los Angeles. The rest of the city remains covered, and Waymo continues to monitor the situation, vowing to return when conditions are safe. Users outside the protest zone can still hail a robotaxi through the company’s app.
For more updates on AI and transportation, check resources like NHTSA and Waymo directly.
How Will This Impact Self-Driving Car Expansion in 2025?
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This incident highlights growing pains for self-driving vehicles as major cities wrestle with the intersection of technology, politics, and public sentiment. As more cities pilot autonomous taxis—Waymo is eyeing expansion to Austin and Miami—security and emergency response protocols will likely be reevaluated, shaping how AI-powered mobility rolls out across America.
Stay alert, LA—driverless disruption isn’t slowing down!
Summary Checklist:
- Waymo robotaxi rides suspended downtown after cars burned in protests
- Lithium-ion fires prompted hazardous material concerns
- Waymo working with LAPD to restore safe service
- Users outside downtown can still book rides
- Watch for updates as LA readies for future AI transport
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