Waymo Robotaxis Burned in LA Protests: 1 Million Loss Fuels Safety, Techlash Concerns for Google

Waymo, Alphabet’s (GOOG) autonomous driving unit, found itself at the center of a violent protest in downtown Los Angeles yesterday. At least five of the company’s self-driving taxis were set on fire during demonstrations against federal immigration raids. The vehicles were parked near the Metropolitan Detention Center when protesters targeted them.

The attack came during a day of unrest that began with peaceful demonstrations but quickly turned into a confrontation between protestors and police. According to reports from the scene, demonstrators slashed tires, smashed windows, and spray-painted slogans on the Waymo cars before setting them ablaze. Some individuals used makeshift flamethrowers and tossed electric scooters into the vehicles to intensify the flames. At one point, plumes of thick black smoke filled the downtown skyline.

The Los Angeles Fire Department eventually reached the scene, but the burning lithium-ion batteries inside the electric vehicles raised serious safety concerns. LAPD warned of toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, being released from the fires, posing a risk to emergency responders and bystanders.

_{Demonstrators protest during a rally against President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Los Angeles.}

Waymo Cars Are Being Targeted on Purpose

Waymo stated that it was in contact with law enforcement and had no indication that its vehicles were intentionally targeted due to the company’s identity. However, the timing and visibility of the robotaxis during a heated political demonstration made them a high-profile target. The company temporarily suspended its autonomous ride service in the affected area.

Each Waymo car is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $200,000. The destruction of five vehicles could result in losses of $750,000 to $1 million, according to estimates cited by the Wall Street Journal in 2024. The incident also highlights growing tensions between tech companies and local communities. Waymo has faced criticism from labor groups, safety advocates, and residents who argue that autonomous vehicles pose a threat to jobs and create public disturbances. In previous protests, demonstrators have accused companies like Waymo of ignoring the social costs of automation, chanting slogans such as “no drivers, no piece”.

Although Waymo continues to expand in markets like San Francisco and Phoenix, events like this may prompt regulators to re-evaluate the presence of autonomous vehicles in dense urban environments. Investors watching GOOGL may be concerned about potential delays, public backlash, or new regulations that could impact Waymo’s long-term plans. As cities wrestle with complex issues involving technology, labor, and public safety, the weekend’s destruction highlights how quickly innovation can become a flashpoint in broader social debates.

Is GOOG Stock a Buy?

As Waymo is owned by Alphabet, we examine how The Street’s analysts rate GOOG stock. No surprises there, as the stock boasts a Strong Buy rating, with an average GOOG stock price target of $201.14. This implies a 14.99% upside.

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