What began as a peaceful protest took a tragic turn Sunday when protesters poured into 101 highways in downtown Los Angeles, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement, injuries, arrests, vandalism and fires.
Amidst the ongoing chaos, at least one Ktla van was seen tagging on Graffiti Live On Air.
There was still a dark plume of smoke filling the air above downtown as of 6pm, with at least five Waymos either engulfed in flames or charring after being burned up by protesters on North Los Angeles Street near Arcadia Street.
With the destruction, the Los Angeles Police Department closed Los Angeles Avenue north of Arcadia and south of Alameda Avenue indefinitely, declaring illegal gatherings throughout the region and ordering dispersal to the crowd.
“Our partners with LAFD are trying to enter the area to put out the fire,” the LAPD central department said in X-Post. “This is the historic area of DTLA, Olvera St..”
The department quickly added that protesters were using only a few of the other items to block the streets.
“For our media partners, demonstrators and others who may enter the area,” LAPD noted.
Furthermore, the cost of destroying Waymo can be very high.
Analysts estimate Waymo’s unmanned cars cost between $150,000 and $200,000, according to a 2024 report from the Wall Street Journal.
For five combustion Robotaxis, the cost of damages can be around $750,000-$1 million based on WSJ estimates.
“We are in touch with law enforcement,” a Waymo spokesperson said in a statement. “There are many Waymo cars near the aggressive protests taking place in downtown Los Angeles. There’s no reason to believe these protests are related to Waymo.”
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