Waymo Suspends Downtown LA Service After Autonomous Vehicles Torched During ICE Protests

Waymo Halts Downtown LA Operations

• 🚫 Waymo has suspended its autonomous vehicle service in downtown Los Angeles following an incident on Sunday.
• 🚗 Five of Waymo's driverless cars were destroyed after being set ablaze during protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Circumstances of the Incident

• 🔥 Protesters reportedly used accelerants, possibly spray paint, to ignite the vehicles.
• 📸 Video footage shows protesters taking pictures in front of the burning, graffiti-covered cars.
• ❓ It remains unclear if the Waymo cars were called by protesters to be intentionally destroyed or if individuals were seeking a ride out of the chaotic area.

Impact and Vehicle Damage

• 💸 The estimated cost of the damage to the vehicles ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 each.
• 💥 One vehicle's explosion was captured on video, attributed to the design of EV battery systems.

Firefighting Challenges and Safety Concerns

• 🚒 The LA Fire Department had to let the vehicles burn due to the difficulty of applying water directly to the burning cells of EV batteries.
• ⚠️ Lithium-ion batteries release toxic hydrogen fluoride gas when burning, posing a significant threat to public health, including lung damage and skin absorption.

Service Disruptions and Future Outlook

• 🚦 Waymo confirmed its decision to suspend service was in guidance from the LAPD.
• ⏰ Disruptions in and out of downtown LA could impact wait times and service routes in other areas of Los Angeles.
• 🗓️ There is currently no word on when Waymo service in downtown LA will resume.