Waymo Robotaxis and Lime Scooters Vandalized Amid LA Protests

In early June 2025, Los Angeles witnessed a surge of unrest triggered by protests against aggressive immigration raids conducted by federal authorities. Among the unexpected casualties of this turmoil were several Waymo autonomous vehicles and Lime electric scooters, which became targets of vandalism and arson.

Protesters attacked at least five Waymo robotaxis on Los Angeles Street, slashing tires, smashing windows, spray-painting anti-ICE slogans, and setting the vehicles on fire. Some Lime e-scooters were also thrown into the burning wreckage, escalating the damage. The LAPD warned that burning lithium-ion batteries from these vehicles release toxic gases, posing health risks to bystanders.

This wave of vandalism is part of a broader pattern of attacks on autonomous vehicles in Los Angeles and other cities where Waymo operates. Earlier incidents include a July 2024 case where a Bay Area individual was charged with damaging 17 Waymo cars over three days. The current unrest has also led to increased federal involvement, with the National Guard deployed and discussions about further military mobilization if violence persists.

One possible reason for the targeting of Waymo vehicles is their use by law enforcement. Police have previously accessed footage from Waymo’s autonomous cars to investigate crimes, which may have fueled distrust or resentment among protesters. However, Waymo has not confirmed whether it shared video footage related to the recent events.

The protests themselves began in response to ICE raids that resulted in over 100 immigrant arrests, sparking both peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes that blocked major freeways and spread to neighboring cities. The federal government’s response included deploying up to 300 National Guard troops, a move opposed by California’s governor as a breach of state sovereignty.

This incident highlights the complex challenges faced by autonomous vehicle operators in urban environments marked by social and political tensions. It raises important questions about the security of IoT-enabled transportation assets and the ethical considerations around data sharing with law enforcement.

Implications for Autonomous Vehicle Operators

Operators of autonomous fleets must now consider enhanced security protocols to protect vehicles from vandalism and arson, especially in politically charged environments. This includes physical safeguards, real-time monitoring, and rapid incident response capabilities.

Moreover, transparency and clear policies regarding data sharing with law enforcement can help build public trust and mitigate backlash. Balancing privacy concerns with public safety remains a delicate but essential task.

Conclusion

The vandalism of Waymo robotaxis and Lime scooters amid Los Angeles protests underscores the vulnerabilities of connected transportation technologies in volatile social contexts. As cities evolve and autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, stakeholders must proactively address security, privacy, and community relations to ensure sustainable deployment.