Waymo Driverless Cars Set on Fire During LA Protests

Incident Overview

• 🎯 Five Waymo driverless cars were found burnt to the ground in downtown Los Angeles.
• 📍 The incident occurred near Union Station, across from Alva Street, after the cars were called to the area of a protest.
• 💥 A group attacked the vehicles, slashing tires, smashing windows, and setting them on fire.

Fire Department Response

• 🔥 LA city firefighters allowed the Waymo vehicles to burn themselves out.
• ⚠️ This decision was made due to the release of toxic gases from the vehicles' lithium-ion batteries.

Protest Origins and Escalation

• ⛓️ The events began in Paramount on Saturday with an ICE operation, possibly targeting a meat packing plant.
• ✊ This operation led to protests involving dozens, then hundreds, of people who faced off with ICE agents.
• 🚨 The White House reportedly called in the National Guard in response to the escalating situation.

Downtown Los Angeles Protests

• 🏛️ Protests focused on the federal building and federal holding prison in downtown LA.
• 🚔 LAPD reported 42 arrests overnight.
• ⚖️ Arrests included charges for failing to disperse, assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, looting, arson, and attempted murder involving a Molotov cocktail.

Broader Impact and Warnings

• 🛍️ Many businesses in downtown LA suffered looting, broken windows, and graffiti.
• ⚠️ Authorities are advising people to avoid downtown Los Angeles due to ongoing planned protests.