California lawmakers are urgently seeking answers following a live fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton on Saturday that led to a dangerous misfire. The incident resulted in shrapnel raining onto Interstate 5, striking two vehicles belonging to the California Highway Patrol. This live artillery shell explosion occurred during a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, attended by notable figures including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
During the demonstration, pieces of shrapnel scattered across the closed freeway, impacting a patrol vehicle and a motorcycle. Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat from San Clemente and Carlsbad, expressed his disappointment, stating, “I hoped we could celebrate the Marine Corps without undue risk.” He emphasized that the decision-making process appeared to neglect public safety, prompting calls for a full investigation into the incident.
Levin, alongside 26 California Congress members and the state’s two senators, sent a letter to Hegseth seeking clarity on who authorized the live artillery fire over the freeway and what safety measures were put in place. “While we are relieved no one was injured, we are deeply concerned by the decision-making that led to this incident,” he stated.
The mishap has intensified political tensions between President Donald Trump and California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom. Some Republican leaders have criticized Newsom for closing the freeway during the live fire exercise, alleging that the event was more about political posturing than military necessity. California Senator Catherine Blakespear remarked on the absurdity of the situation, questioning the lack of military and community benefits from such a display.
The live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton featured various military assets, including aircraft and amphibious assault vehicles, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday celebration. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) incident report, the plan included firing 60 rounds, which is a highly unusual practice over an active freeway, as confirmed by military and public safety officials.
CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado stated, “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.” The first artillery round was launched at 1:46 p.m. from M777 Howitzers, but it failed to clear the roadway, detonating midflight and sending shrapnel towards the vice president’s security detail.
Following the incident, the exercise was halted, and no further munitions were fired. Officers reported hearing what sounded like “pebbles” falling on their vehicles, and one officer discovered a piece of shrapnel that left a dent on a patrol car. Pictures from the incident show the damage sustained by the vehicles, prompting the CHP to call for a review of the planning and communication surrounding the freeway closure and public safety measures.
The Marine Corps is also conducting its own investigation into the incident, as reported by the Washington Post. Levin expressed hope that the anniversary would unite the country in honoring the Marine Corps’ 250-year history without compromising safety.
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions on Interstate 5, which had been closed by Newsom for the exercise. Local residents in San Diego and Orange Counties, accustomed to military noise but not live fire over a civilian corridor, were startled. Some posted photos of unusual warning signs regarding the live fire event.
Retired Army artillery officer Ian Bennett criticized the decision to fire over the freeway, highlighting that military exercises typically involve extensive planning to ensure safety. “I’ve never had cause to shoot over a major road during training,” Bennett said, indicating that such actions should be avoided to ensure community safety.
Local leaders reported miscommunication leading up to the live fire demonstration, with some officials claiming they were not adequately informed about the event. “If there was coordination, I would expect it would include my office,” Blakespear noted, expressing frustration at being left out of the loop.
In a statement, Governor Newsom condemned the live fire exercise, suggesting it was a demonstration intended to intimidate Trump’s opponents. He described the decision to fire live rounds over a busy highway as “dangerous” and “irresponsible.”
In the wake of this alarming incident, Rep. Levin plans to leverage his position on the House Committee on Appropriations to ensure that questions regarding the misfire at Camp Pendleton are addressed. He stated, “The administration heard safety warnings from the Marine Corps and completely ignored them,” insisting on the need for accountability.
As investigations continue, California lawmakers remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the misfire incident, ensuring that public safety is prioritized in future military exercises.
