Waymo robotaxis torched amid LA protests, Lime e-scooters thrown into flames
Several Waymo self-driving cars and Lime e-scooters were set on fire Sunday in downtown Los Angeles. The attacks came during protests against federal immigration raids led by the Trump administration.
Protesters targeted five Waymo Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis on Los Angeles Street. They slashed tires, smashed windows, spray-painted anti-ICE slogans, then set the cars ablaze. The vehicles honked their horns in what the LA Times called a "coordinated cacophony" as they were attacked. 
Some Lime e-scooters got tossed into the burning Waymos as well. Authorities warned that burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride, risking bystander safety.
The reason for the robotaxi attacks is unclear. Police have used footage from Waymo cars in past investigations.
LAPD says setting fires amid protests has raised safety alarms. Waymo confirmed contact with LAPD and said it will pursue criminal charges and damages against vandals.
Social media reports say Waymo suspended and pulled its vehicles from LA service after the attacks. The company did not confirm this.
This is not the first vandalism spree against Waymo cars. In July 2024, a San Francisco individual was charged with slashing tires on 17 Waymo vehicles in three days.
Los Angeles protests started June 6 over aggressive ICE raids arresting more than 100 immigrants. The unrest spread to other cities and blocked highways. Federal troops and California National Guard are now deployed. Tensions remain high.
Videos show police clashing with protesters and journalists using batons and rubber bullets in the chaotic scenes.
Palmer Luckey stated
"The besieged Waymos began honking their horns in coordinated cacophony."
More updates expected as Waymo assesses next steps amid mounting unrest.
