Waymo Suspends Service After Self-Driving Cars Burned in LA Protest

Protests in Downtown Los Angeles Turn Violent: Waymo Cars Set Ablaze Los Angeles, CA – June 10, 2025 – Downtown Los Angeles witnessed a surge of unrest yesterday as anti-ICE protests escalated, resulting in the torching of several Waymo self-driving vehicles. The incident has prompted Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company, to temporarily halt its ride-hailing service in the affected area. Videos circulating on social media show several Waymo cars reduced to charred skeletons, their interiors completely destroyed. Smoke continues to rise from some of the wreckage. The surrounding area exhibits evidence of the protest, including graffiti on nearby buildings and walls. "It was chaotic," said one eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous. "People were shouting, and suddenly, those Waymo cars were engulfed in flames. It was terrifying." The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the cars were vandalized and set on fire during the anti-ICE protests. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify those responsible. Waymo released a statement confirming the incident and the temporary suspension of its service. The company is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. The incident underscores the vulnerability of autonomous vehicles to vandalism and highlights the challenges of operating such technology in volatile environments. The LAPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.