Elementary, My Dear Waymo: Robotaxis Torched in LA Protests!

The Curious Case of the Combustible Cars

The game is afoot or rather ablaze! My dear readers it appears Los Angeles has become a stage for a rather dramatic spectacle. Several Waymo autonomous vehicles those metal marvels of modern technology have been turned into bonfires amidst the recent protests against President Trump's immigration policies. Five of these self driving contraptions were as they say 'unable to be retrieved.' One might say they were permanently... detained. A curious turn of events wouldn't you agree? Clearly something is rotten in the state of California.

A Temporary Hiatus: Waymo's Tactical Retreat

A spokesperson for Waymo a company owned by Alphabet confirmed the vehicular casualties and quite sensibly suspended service in the affected area. A wise decision indeed. As I've always said 'It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.' And I suspect the data regarding fire resistant robotaxis is rather... sparse. They are awaiting guidance from the Los Angeles Police Department before resuming operations. One can only hope the LAPD's guidance extends beyond 'Don't drive into burning riots.'

Echoes of Discontent: Immigration and ICE Raids Ignite Fury

The protests fuelled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids began peacefully enough. But as any keen observer knows 'There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.' Tensions escalated culminating in clashes between police and protesters near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Ah the scent of rebellion in the air! Or perhaps that was just the lingering aroma of burning rubber.

California on Fire: The National Guard Steps In (And Gets Sued?)

In response to the escalating unrest President Trump deployed the California National Guard. Governor Gavin Newsom never one to shy away from a good legal battle promptly announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration claiming an illegal federalization of the Guard. It's all rather reminiscent of a particularly convoluted chess match isn't it? A game where the pawns are protests the rooks are robotaxis and the queen is undoubtedly political maneuvering.

Graffiti and Gadgets: The Curious Incident of the E Scooter in the Nighttime

Adding insult to injury or perhaps fuel to the fire photographs reveal a line of Waymo vehicles emblazoned with anti ICE graffiti. The ignominy! But the pièce de résistance? The Los Angeles Times reports that some individuals were observed tossing Lime e scooters into the inferno. One can only imagine the scene: the flickering flames the pungent smell of burning lithium ion batteries and the faint whir of a dying e scooter motor. Utterly barbaric and yet undeniably… interesting.

Elementary My Dear Waymo: The Danger of Burning Batteries

The LAPD in a statement on X noted the toxic gases released by burning lithium ion batteries including hydrogen fluoride. A valuable reminder that even in the heat of protest one must be mindful of the chemical composition of one's pyrotechnics. Waymo has been offering robotaxi rides across a considerable area of Los Angeles. I can only speculate about when service will resume but it's clear that the streets of Los Angeles are dangerous!