Who set the Waymo cars on fire?

Authorities have not publicly identified the individuals who set a Waymo self-driving car on fire during Lunar New Year festivities in San Francisco’s Chinatown on February 10, 2024. Investigators say the blaze started after someone in a crowd threw a firework into the empty vehicle following extensive vandalism; no arrests had been announced as of the latest official updates.

What happened and where

The high-profile arson occurred in San Francisco’s Chinatown on the evening of February 10, 2024, amid Lunar New Year celebrations. Witness videos shared widely on social media show a crowd surrounding a stationary Waymo robotaxi, smashing its windows and tagging the body before a person tossed a lit firework into the cabin. The vehicle ignited and burned; firefighters extinguished the blaze. The car was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

Waymo condemned the attack, said it was cooperating with investigators, and reiterated that the vehicle was not carrying passengers at the time. The incident came amid broader public debate in the Bay Area over autonomous vehicles, but officials have not assigned a definitive motive.

What authorities have said so far

San Francisco police and fire officials opened an arson investigation following the Chinatown incident. Based on witness accounts and video evidence, they concluded that a firework placed or thrown into the car’s interior ignited the fire after the vehicle had been vandalized. Officials have asked the public to share tips or footage that could identify participants. As of the most recent public statements, no suspect names have been released.

Key timeline of the Chinatown arson

The following points summarize major developments in the case, as reported by city officials and widely covered local and national media.

• February 10, 2024: During Lunar New Year festivities in San Francisco’s Chinatown, a crowd vandalizes a Waymo robotaxi; a firework thrown into the cabin sets the car ablaze. No one is inside; no injuries are reported.
• February 11–12, 2024: Police and fire officials confirm an arson investigation and request public assistance with photos, videos, and tips.
• Mid-February 2024: Authorities indicate that the firework triggered the blaze following the vandalism. Waymo says it is assisting investigators.
• Spring–Summer 2024: The case remains open; no arrests or suspect identities are publicly disclosed.
• By late 2024: Officials have not announced any charges; the investigation continues.

These milestones reflect what officials have publicly confirmed; key details such as individual identities, potential charges, or specific motives have not been released.

Were there other Waymo vehicle fires?

The Chinatown arson is the most widely documented case of a Waymo robotaxi being set on fire in San Francisco in 2024. While there were other reports of harassment or vandalism targeting autonomous vehicles in the Bay Area in recent years, authorities have not publicly identified suspects in connection with any comparable arson attacks on Waymo cars during that period.

What remains unknown

Despite extensive video evidence circulating online, several critical aspects of the Chinatown arson have not been publicly resolved.

• The identities of the individuals who vandalized the car and of the person who threw the firework.
• Whether the actions were spontaneous or coordinated.
• Any definitive motive tied to broader anti-robotaxi sentiment or unrelated factors.
• The status of any potential charges or forthcoming arrests.

Until investigators announce findings or arrests, these questions remain unanswered in the public record.

How the public can help

Investigators typically rely on witness accounts and footage to identify suspects in crowd incidents. If you were nearby or have relevant media, consider the following steps.

1. Share unedited photos or videos with San Francisco police through official tip channels.
2. Note the time, location, and any distinguishing details (clothing, actions) visible in your footage.
3. If you wish to remain anonymous, use the department’s anonymous tip mechanisms.
4. Avoid posting identifiable material publicly if it could compromise the investigation; submit directly to authorities instead.

Providing clear, time-stamped information increases the chances that investigators can verify and act on leads.

The broader context

The Chinatown arson occurred amid heightened scrutiny of robotaxis in the Bay Area following several high-profile incidents involving autonomous vehicles. While regulatory bodies allowed Waymo to continue operating in San Francisco in 2024, public opinion remained divided over safety, street congestion, and labor impacts. Officials have not linked the Chinatown fire to any organized campaign, but the incident underscored tensions surrounding the rollout of self-driving technology in dense urban settings.

Summary

No suspects have been publicly identified in the arson that destroyed a Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco’s Chinatown on February 10, 2024. Investigators say the fire began after someone threw a firework into the vandalized, unoccupied vehicle. The probe remains open, and authorities continue to seek tips and evidence from the public.

Who set the Waymo on fire?

Protesters smashed the windows of multiple Waymo robot taxis and then set them on fire. The police warned of toxic fumes released by burning lithium-ion batteries.

Who is responsible for Waymo accidents?

If a Waymo crashes, Waymo itself is generally considered responsible due to operating the vehicle and for potential software or hardware issues. However, liability can extend to other parties such as the vehicle manufacturer, software providers, or even other drivers if they caused or contributed to the crash. Determining fault is complex and may involve investigating the vehicle’s internal data logs to understand the cause, whether it was a malfunction, a design flaw, or the action of another party. 
When Waymo is responsible:

• Software or AI Malfunctions: If the accident was caused by a bug, error, or misjudgment from the Waymo Driver system, the company could be strictly liable. 
• Hardware Defects: Faulty sensors, components, or other hardware issues that led to the malfunction could place responsibility on Waymo. 
• Operational Negligence: Claims can arise if Waymo is found to have deployed its vehicles without adequate testing or maintenance, leading to a crash. 

When other parties may be responsible: 

• Vehicle Manufacturers: Opens in new tabThe company that manufactured the vehicle could be held liable under product liability laws if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.
• Software or Sensor Providers: Opens in new tabIf a third-party company provided the faulty software or sensor technology used in the Waymo, they could also share liability.
• Other Drivers: Opens in new tabAs in any traditional car accident, if another driver was negligent or reckless, they or their insurance company may be held responsible.

What to do after a crash:

1. Seek legal counsel: Due to the complex nature of these cases, consulting with a personal injury lawyer specializing in autonomous vehicle accidents is crucial. 
2. Gather information: Obtain footage from the scene and preserve any relevant records, as these cases often require deep technical analysis of the vehicle’s logs. 
3. File a police report: A formal report is an essential step for any legal or insurance claims that may follow. 

Why did they burn the Waymo cars?

Five vehicles owned by Google’s self-driving spinoff Waymo were set ablaze last Sunday during protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Images and video of the flaming cars quickly went viral, illustrating for a global audience how vulnerable robotaxis can be in volatile situations.

How many Waymo cars have been burned in LA?

This is Los Angeles Street north of the 101. That’s where the five Whimmo vehicles uh or Whimo vehicles are burned.