Waymo Suspends Services Amid Protests in Downtown LA
Waymo has decided to stop its ride services in downtown Los Angeles following the destruction of five of its vehicles during intense protests against immigration policies. These protests have led to numerous arrests and the involvement of the National Guard.
The company expressed that it feels the protests are not directly related to them. They mentioned to the press that they opted to pull their vehicles from downtown “out of an abundance of caution,” heeding advice from the local police. However, they are continuing operations in other areas of Los Angeles.
Owned by Alphabet, Waymo runs driverless cars in several major cities across the United States. In videos shared on social media, Waymo vehicles can be seen engulfed in flames after being vandalized with anti-immigration graffiti, essentially transforming into melted metal heaps.
Reports indicate that during the turmoil, some electric scooters were also set ablaze. A lingering smell of smoke and chemicals hung in the air, as noted by a senior editor from a major news outlet.
Authorities cautioned that burning lithium-ion batteries in Waymo vehicles pose significant health risks, potentially releasing toxic fumes like hydrogen fluoride. Residents were advised to steer clear of the affected area.
In a response to the escalating protests, President Trump deployed the National Guard over the weekend, criticizing local leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, for their inability to manage the situation.
More footage has surfaced showing the effects of the protests, with Waymo taxis damaged and some burning, a stark visual reminder of the unrest. In light of these events, there’s a complex political backdrop unfolding. For instance, Newsom labeled the National Guard’s deployment as “illegal” and threatened legal action against the Trump administration, arguing that the presence of military forces has only inflamed peaceful protests.
Despite the chaos, Homan, a figure within the Trump administration, attempted to downplay claims of arresting Newsom or Bass, yet insinuated that higher-level consequences could emerge for them.
