Waymo’s fleet of driverless taxis has become the latest target of public anger, with repeated cases of vandalism reported across major US cities.
Vehicles Damaged in San Francisco
In San Francisco, prosecutors have charged 45-year-old Walker Reed Quinn with multiple attacks on Waymo cars in the South of Market district. Incidents include smashing windows, damaging sensors, and even stomping on the windscreen of a vehicle carrying a passenger.
Waymo confirmed that all passengers escaped unharmed, but several vehicles had to be taken out of service for repairs. Local prosecutors described the attacks as “dangerous and reckless,” with Quinn now facing felony charges.
Earlier this year, another vandal caused extensive damage to 17 Waymo cars by slashing tyres in the city, highlighting ongoing hostility towards autonomous vehicles.
Los Angeles: Cars Fire-Bombed and Attacked
In Los Angeles, several Waymo robotaxis were vandalised during protests in June. Cars were fire-bombed, sprayed with graffiti, and had tyres slashed. One incident saw a mob smash windows and rip off a car door while it was stopped at traffic lights.
Waymo was forced to temporarily suspend services in parts of LA due to safety concerns. Authorities also warned that attacks on electric vehicles risk releasing toxic gases, posing additional hazards to emergency crews and the public.
Public Backlash Against Driverless Cars
This is not the first time autonomous taxis have been targeted. In February 2024, a Waymo vehicle was set alight in San Francisco’s Chinatown during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Industry experts warn that unless public trust improves, vandalism and violent protests could slow down the wider rollout of robotaxi services worldwide — including in markets like the UK, where driverless technology is being trialled.
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