Rioters Target Driverless Cars in Los Angeles

Reports suggest that protesters in Los Angeles specifically called for driverless vehicles, only to destroy them. This incident involved autonomous cars operated by Waymo, a service under Google’s parent company, Alphabet, which currently has more than 1,500 vehicles on the streets of the U.S.

On Sunday, a protest emerged against immigration actions in the city, leading to chaotic scenes. Videos circulated online showing Waymo vehicles ablaze, with some individuals clearly calling upon the cars to set them on fire.

“They call Waymo just to burn them,” one journalist stated in a shared video. In footage, at least four Waymo cars were seen engulfed in flames, with some masked protesters waving flags in front of the burning vehicles.

Amid the turmoil, a spokesperson for Waymo noted, “We will not offer rides in protest areas until safety is assured.” This ensures that the company responds appropriately in light of the violence.

When asked about law enforcement’s involvement, a Waymo representative acknowledged that there had been an alarming number of requests for vehicles during the intense protests occurring in downtown Los Angeles. However, during discussions, important questions regarding vehicle costs and police communications went unanswered.

As for the financial implications, reports indicate that self-driving cars can exceed $100,000, meaning the total damage from this incident could be around $400,000 for Waymo.

The Los Angeles Police Department issued a warning concerning the destruction of vehicles and suggested that the area might need to be closed off indefinitely due to sustained violence against autonomous vehicles.

Disturbing video footage also emerged, showing American flags being burned on the wreckage of the cars. Some individuals at the site appeared to be setting the vehicles on fire while others joked and made light of the situation.

In a statement, Police Chief Jim McDonnell urged the public to trust the department’s efforts, although he acknowledged that the situation regarding federal actions was out of their hands. He described the riots as “out of control,” highlighting the potential for serious harm amidst the unrest.

Throughout this chaotic day, witnesses reported various acts of aggression, including individuals hurling rocks at law enforcement across multiple locations. The city’s atmosphere remains tense as it grapples with the fallout.