Vandalism of Waymo Autonomous Taxis During Protest
Several Waymo autonomous taxis were vandalized and set on fire on Sunday amid a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles and the deployment of the National Guard by the Trump administration.
Unknown Circumstances
The reason for the taxis’ presence and who sent them remains unclear. Viral videos on social media captured demonstrators climbing on the self-driving taxis, smashing windows, and spray-painting the vehicles. At least five taxis were significantly damaged and set ablaze as the protest intensified on Sunday evening, according to a KTLA report.
> “This is even sadder when you realize Waymo’s are endangered and this is 1/10th of all the remaining ones.”
> — sucks (@powerbottomdad1) June 9, 2025
As the electric vehicles burned, officials issued warnings regarding the potential release of toxic fumes from the vehicles’ lithium-ion batteries.
> ⚠️ Traffic Advisory ⚠️
> To our media partners, demonstrators and others who may enter the area of Los Angeles St, North of Arcadia and South of Alameda:
> Burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, posing risks to responders and those nearby.
> — LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 9, 2025
Waymo’s Response
In response to the incident, Waymo has scaled back its operations in Los Angeles, noting caution in further deployments. A spokesperson from the company stated, “Waymo is still operating in Los Angeles. However, out of an abundance of caution, given the recent activity, we removed vehicles from Downtown Los Angeles and will not be serving that specific area of LA at the moment.” They clarified that Waymo was not the intended target of the attacks.
Waymo is collaborating with local authorities following the vandalism. The Los Angeles Police Department did not respond to requests for comments from Decrypt.
Comments (5)
Marcellinus Onyekachi Achi
10:46 - 11/06/2025
Amazing thank 🙏🙏🙏
Hamisu Muhammad Yahaya
06:22 - 11/06/2025
What a sad news!
Hamisu Muhammad Yahaya
06:22 - 11/06/2025
What a sad news!
MaroLimitless
03:09 - 11/06/2025
Sad.
Emmanuel Abogonye
08:41 - 10/06/2025
Thanks