Waymo has temporarily suspended its robotaxi services in downtown Los Angeles following an incident during protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies. During the protests, five Waymo vehicles were set on fire, prompting the company to halt operations in the area. A spokesperson for Waymo confirmed the vandalism but noted that the vehicles were not believed to have been intentionally targeted. The company is currently collaborating with the Los Angeles Police Department to investigate the situation.
The protests, which began on Friday in response to an immigration raid, have been mostly peaceful, despite some reports of violence over the weekend. The LAPD issued a warning about the potential hazards associated with burning electric vehicle batteries, which contain lithium-ion components that can release toxic gases.
Waymo operates over 300 vehicles in Los Angeles but continues to provide services in other parts of the city despite the suspension in downtown. This incident is not the first instance of vandalism against Waymo vehicles; a similar event occurred last year in San Francisco.
The protests have also drawn attention to the political tensions between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump, particularly as Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to the Los Angeles area, bypassing the governor's authority. Newsom has announced plans to sue the federal administration over the deployment. The situation has sparked discussions about the broader implications for community dynamics and the relationship between the tech industry and government.