Autonomous Vehicles Set Ablaze During Tense Los Angeles Protest

Los Angeles Protest Turns Violent: Self-Driving Cars Set Ablaze Los Angeles, CA – A protest in Los Angeles took a violent turn on June 9th, 2025, as demonstrators set fire to multiple Waymo self-driving cars. The incident unfolded during a National Guard deployment, adding another layer of complexity to an already tense situation. Video footage shows the vehicles engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the air. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a statement on X, warning of the hazardous effects of burning lithium-ion batteries, stressing the release of toxic gases that pose significant risks to first responders and the public. "Burning these batteries releases toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe," stated an LAPD spokesperson in a tweet. One eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying, "It was terrifying. The flames were intense, and people were screaming." While the motivations behind the arson remain unclear, the incident highlights the potential for escalating violence during large-scale protests. The LAPD is currently investigating the incident and working to determine those responsible.