Waymo suspends robotaxi rides near LA protests after 5 cars are set ablaze

Multiple Waymo vehicles were set on fire in Los Angeles amid protests against President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.David Pashaee / Middle East Images via AFPFive Waymo vehicles were set on fire during protests in LA about Trump's immigration crackdown.The company suspended service in downtown LA, a spokesperson confirmed to BI.Waymo doesn't think the vehicles were intentionally targeted and is working with the LAPD.Waymo suspended robotaxi service in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday after five vehicles were set on fire during protests against President Donald Trump's immigration raids in the city.Photos show Waymo cars covered in anti-ICE graffiti burning in the street, engulfed in smoke.A spokesperson for Waymo confirmed to Business Insider that five vehicles had been vandalized during the protests. The company temporarily suspended service in downtown LA and doesn't think its vehicles were intentionally targeted, the spokesperson said. Waymo is working with the Los Angeles Police Department, they added.The protests were largely peaceful, but some violence broke out over the weekend.Mario Tama/Getty ImagesThe remains of a Waymo vehicle were left on the street.FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty ImagesOn Sunday night, the LAPD said on X that "burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases." Electric vehicles often use lithium-ion batteries.The spokesperson told BI that Waymo, which Alphabet owns, operates more than 300 vehicles in LA and is continuing operations in other parts of the city.The company said five vehicles were set ablaze.RINGO CHIU / AFPIt's not the first time that Waymo vehicles have been targeted in California. Last year, a crowd in San Francisco set one of the robotaxis on fire during Lunar New Year celebrations amid a wave of distrust about driverless vehicles.The protests broke out on Friday after an immigration raid in the city. Over the weekend, Trump bypassed California Gov. Gavin Newsom's authority and ordered 2,000 National Guard members to the LA area. Despite the dramatic images, the protests have largely been peaceful, according to multiple reports.The demonstrations have become a political lightning rod between Newsom and Trump, and the governor has announced that he's suing the administration. They may, however, serve as an olive branch between the president and Elon Musk, who had an ugly falling out last week.Read the original article on Business Insider

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