LA Protest Turns Violent: Waymo Cars Burned, Raising Safety Concerns

Los Angeles Protest Turns Violent: Waymo Vehicles Set Ablaze Los Angeles, CA – A protest against recent immigration raids in Los Angeles took a violent turn on June 9th, 2025, as demonstrators set fire to several vehicles, including autonomous vehicles operated by Waymo. The incident, captured on video by CNN en Español, shows the chaotic scenes and highlights the concerns of law enforcement. "This is a part of the night that law enforcement really worries about," said CNN senior investigative correspondent Kyung Lah, reporting from the scene. "When I look at some of these protesters, they are not resembling the people who were here when all of this began earlier this morning in Los Angeles. This crowd is different." The video shows at least two Waymo cars engulfed in flames, along with other vehicles that sustained damage. The protesters' actions raise serious questions about the safety and security of autonomous vehicles in urban environments and the potential for escalating tensions during public demonstrations. The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large-scale protests and maintaining order amidst heightened emotions. Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident and working to identify those responsible for the vandalism and arson. The long-term impact of this event on both the protest movement and the deployment of autonomous vehicles in Los Angeles remains to be seen.