Waymo has decided to halt its ride-hailing service in downtown Los Angeles following a series of protests that turned violent. During these protests, several Waymo vehicles were set on fire. The company, which is a part of Alphabet Inc., stated that it does not believe the protests are aimed specifically at them.
In response to the situation, Waymo has removed its cars from the downtown area based on advice from the Los Angeles Police Department. As of Sunday evening, reports indicated that at least five of their self-driving vehicles had been damaged by fire. The unrest also affected e-scooters operated by Lime, which were similarly vandalized.
Lime issued a statement urging people to use their vehicles only for their intended purpose and emphasized their commitment to safety. The company is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take further action to protect their teams and the community.
The protests in Los Angeles have drawn attention nationwide. President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to the city to help manage the unrest. While LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell noted that most demonstrations were peaceful, there were instances of clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Vandalism, including graffiti on storefronts, has also spread to different parts of the city.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment of National Guard troops, calling it unlawful. The situation remains tense as the community navigates the aftermath of the protests and the implications for local businesses and services.