Waymo Robotaxis, Lime E-Scooters Torched Amidst Los Angeles Protests
Several Waymo robotaxis and Lime e-scooters were set ablaze during protests in downtown Los Angeles this weekend. The unrest was triggered by groups demonstrating against immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a group of protesters targeted five Waymo autonomous vehicles on Los Angeles Street on Sunday evening. The vehicles were vandalized with slashed tires, broken windows, and anti-ICE graffiti before being set on fire. The LA Times noted that the vehicles’ horns began honking in unison as they were attacked.
Brendan Gutenschwager captured the incident.
Lime e-scooters were also reportedly thrown into the burning wreckage. The LAPD warned that burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, posing a significant health risk to those nearby.
The motive behind the attack on the Waymo vehicles remains unclear. There is past precedence of police seeking footage from robotaxi companies to assist in solving crimes. In April, 404 Media reported that the LAPD had released video footage from a Waymo vehicle as part of a hit-and-run investigation.
Waymo has stated that they are working with the LAPD and will pursue legal action against those responsible for the vandalism. The company has not commented on whether it will provide camera footage to help identify the protesters.
Social media reports suggest that Waymo has temporarily removed its vehicles from Los Angeles and suspended its service. TechCrunch has reached out to Waymo for confirmation.
Since launching its self-driving ride-hail service in Los Angeles in November 2024, Waymo vehicles have been targeted by vandalism in various cities. In July 2024, a San Francisco resident was charged with vandalizing 17 Waymo vehicles.
The protests in Los Angeles began on June 6, triggered by ICE raids that led to over 100 arrests. Demonstrations, both peaceful and violent, spread to other areas and blocked major freeways.
President Trump has responded by federalizing the California National Guard and deploying up to 300 soldiers to Los Angeles. This action has been met with opposition from state and city officials, with Governor Gavin Newsom requesting the removal of National Guard troops, citing a “serious breach of state sovereignty.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated a readiness to mobilize the Marines if the violence continues.
Videos circulating online show LAPD personnel using batons and rubber bullets against protesters and journalists.
