During the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, California, an artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5 on Saturday, striking vehicles with shrapnel but causing no injuries. The incident has ignited a political feud between state and federal officials over the safety of the live-fire demonstration.
The event, which included live munitions being fired as part of a large-scale amphibious capabilities demonstration, was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to the California Highway Patrol, a 155mm artillery round exploded overhead unexpectedly, sending fragments raining down on the freeway. Shrapnel hit at least two CHP vehicles that were part of Vance’s security detail, with one patrol car sustaining a dent on its hood from a piece measuring approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. Officers reported hearing the shrapnel fall like “pebbles” and quickly secured the area.
No injuries were reported from the incident, which occurred as the CHP had temporarily closed a section of Interstate 5 to traffic for safety during the demonstration. The Marine Corps immediately suspended further live firing and launched an investigation into the premature detonation. A spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force stated that the demonstration had undergone rigorous safety evaluations and that protocols were followed to ensure public safety.
The mishap has exacerbated existing tensions between California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration. Newsom, who had previously criticized the plan to fire live rounds over the highway, responded to the incident by accusing the vice president and the White House of endangering lives for a “vanity project.” His office emphasized that such exercises are not common over active freeways and called for better coordination.
Before the shrapnel strike was known, Vance’s communications director had defended the demonstration as a safe and established practice, accusing Newsom of political fear-mongering. The White House has not commented on the specific incident, but the vice president’s office had earlier dismissed the governor’s concerns as unfounded and partisan.
The California Highway Patrol is conducting its own review and seeking improved communication with federal officials to prevent future occurrences. CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado described the situation as unusual and concerning, highlighting the rarity of live-fire activities over busy highways. The Marine Corps’ investigation aims to determine the root cause and apply lessons to enhance safety in future missions.
This event highlights the challenges of balancing military training with public safety and reflects broader political divisions. The investigations’ findings may lead to changes in how such demonstrations are conducted, potentially affecting military operations near civilian areas and intergovernmental relations.