Los Angeles has seen a wave of protests over the past few days — and things have taken a fiery turn. Several Waymo self-driving cars, owned by Google’s autonomous vehicle division, have been set on fire by protestors in different parts of the city.
But what’s behind this unusual act?
It all started after President Donald Trump sent the National Guard into Los Angeles without the approval of California’s Governor Gavin Newsom. The move came in response to growing protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown, especially the arrival of federal troops at detention centers housing immigrants.
The sudden military presence upset many locals, who saw it as a violation of the state’s authority. Governor Newsom even called the deployment “unlawful” and warned that it would only make things worse. And that’s exactly what happened.
What began as peaceful protests quickly turned into clashes with law enforcement. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs to control crowds. Protestors, in return, blocked roads and even targeted Waymo cars during the chaos.
Why Waymo?
To many protestors, Waymo cars are more than just driverless vehicles — they represent big tech, surveillance, and government overreach. In a time when tensions are high around privacy, control, and state authority, these cars became easy symbols of everything people are angry about.
Videos shared online show burning vehicles, chaotic scenes, and protestors fleeing as smoke fills the streets. Some parts of LA, including Paramount and Compton, saw the protests spread quickly.
This is now the third straight day of unrest. With hundreds of federal troops in the city and emotions running high, there’s no sign of calm just yet. For now, LA remains on edge — and the protests continue.
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