In a dramatic escalation of tensions throughout current protests in Los Angeles, a number of of Waymo’s autonomous automobiles had been vandalised, with one being fully destroyed by hearth. The incidents occurred over the weekend in downtown LA amidst demonstrations in opposition to federal immigration raids.
The driverless Jaguar I-PACE automobiles, which have grow to be an more and more widespread sight on the streets of Los Angeles, discovered themselves within the mistaken place on the mistaken time. Footage circulating on social media exhibits the stark picture of a Waymo automotive engulfed in flames, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky. Different automobiles from the fleet had been additionally broken, together with having their home windows smashed and being lined in graffiti.
These assaults on robotic automobiles, which had been unoccupied on the time, characterize a brand new and regarding improvement in public demonstrations. Whereas the protests had been largely targeted on immigration insurance policies, the empty, futuristic automobiles seemingly grew to become an emblem for some to direct their frustrations in direction of.
Whereas Waymo leverages distant operators to help passengers navigate troublesome conditions every now and then, it appears they had been unable to relocate these automobiles to a protected location.
Official Response
Whereas Waymo has but to launch a particular assertion on this newest incident, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna addressed the broader unrest. In an announcement concerning the protests, he mentioned,
“We’ll shield your proper to peacefully protest, however we won’t tolerate violence or destruction of property.”
The Los Angeles Police Division is investigating the acts of vandalism and the arson. The occasions elevate new questions in regards to the security and public acceptance of autonomous automobiles as they grow to be extra built-in into our city landscapes.
For extra info, head to https://waymo.com/
