Shrapnel from artillery that was detonated during celebrations for the US Marine Corps hit at least two vehicles on a California highway on Saturday, officials have said.
The event, celebrating the Marines' 250th birthday, was attended by Vice President JD Vance and included live munitions being fired. The California Highway Patrol stated one 'detonated overhead prematurely' and struck two vehicles that were part of Vance's protective detail.
This incident occurs amid disputes between state officials and the White House regarding the closure of part of Interstate 5 for the event in southern California. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern, stating, 'Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn't just wrong - it's dangerous.'
The highway patrol reported no injuries but informed the Marine Corps, which subsequently canceled further munitions firing. Border Division Chief Tony Coronado commented on the unusual and concerning nature of such exercises over an active freeway.
Newsom had previously mandated the freeway's closure 'due to extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers,' including sudden loud explosions. Before the mishap, officials in the vice president's office had questioned the safety of the demonstration, attributing motives to political disputes.
Following the incident, the First Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton stated that an investigation was underway regarding a 155-millimeter shell fired during the event. They emphasized that safety protocols had been established and that no injuries occurred.
As tensions mounted over the incident, Newsom criticized JD Vance and Donald Trump for putting lives at risk for the demonstration, suggesting alternative ways to honor troops while the federal government remains in shutdown.
The incident thus serves as a critical example of the tension between military demonstrations and public safety, especially in populated areas, highlighting ongoing debates about military practices and governance.
