Waymo has suspended its ride-hailing service in downtown Los Angeles after five of its vehicles were torched during volatile anti-ICE protests that led to dozens of arrests and the deployment of the National Guard.
Waymo said it does not believe the protests are related to its company specifically.
It told The Post it has removed its vehicles from the downtown area “out of an abundance of caution” with guidance from the Los Angeles Police Department. It is still operating in the rest of Los Angeles.
The company, which is owned by Google’s parent Alphabet, operates driverless vehicles in several major cities across the country.
Videos circulating on social media showed several Waymo cars set ablaze after being tagged with anti-ICE graffiti, left to melt into steaming metal heaps.
Some Lime e-scooters were also set on fire amidst the chaos, according to the Los Angeles Times.
A strong smell of smoke and chemicals lingered throughout downtown Los Angeles on Monday, according to Christal Hayes, a senior editor at BBC.
Police officers warned that burning the lithium-ion batteries found in Waymo cars can release toxic fumes, like hydrogen fluoride, and cautioned people to avoid the area.
President Trump on Sunday sent National Guard troops to the city to crack down on the out-of-control protests. He blasted LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom for being “unable to handle the tasks” of squashing the clashes.
Police officers arrested dozens of protesters over the weekend and were seen using flash-bang grenades and tear gas to break up crowds.
Newsom called the deployment of the National Guard “unlawful” and threatened to sue the Trump administration. He argued the deployment of troops escalated peaceful protests.
Newsom dared Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, to arrest him after Homan warned that the governor and mayor could face federal charges.
Homan later tried to walk back those claims, saying “there was no discussion about arresting Newsom,” while Trump suggested he should make the arrest: “I would do it if I were Tom.”
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