On Saturday, a significant incident occurred during a U.S. military exercise involving live-fire artillery rounds, which resulted in metal shrapnel falling onto a California Highway Patrol (CHP) protective services detail for Vice President JD Vance. According to agency officials, this alarming event took place shortly after the detail had escorted Vance to a Marine Corps event at Camp Pendleton.
The CHP reported that the shrapnel was from an explosive ordnance fired over Interstate 5 that detonated prematurely, striking and damaging a CHP patrol vehicle. The incident occurred in northern San Diego County, an area that runs through the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. At the time, CHP officers were gathered to manage traffic along the freeway, which serves as a vital route connecting coastal Orange County to the beach cities of northern San Diego County.
State officials had ordered the freeway closure during the live-fire exercise, which was part of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebration featuring Vice President Vance. The CHP incident report, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, indicated that the shrapnel that impacted the patrol vehicle measured approximately 2 inches by 2½ inches. Fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle when it was struck, and the damage was described as a “small dent/scratch” on the hood. Additionally, small bits of shrapnel also struck a CHP motorcycle, though it sustained no significant damage.
An officer assigned to the protective services detail recounted hearing what sounded like “pebbles” falling around him and on his motorcycle. A piece of shrapnel, roughly one inch long and half an inch wide, was discovered near the motorcycle. Thankfully, no injuries were reported following the incident, as confirmed by the CHP.
Following the incident, state officers promptly contacted the Marines, leading to the decision to cancel further live ordnance firing over the freeway. The area was subsequently swept for additional safety evaluations. Governor Gavin Newsom characterized the live-ammunition event over such a heavily trafficked freeway as “reckless.” In a statement released on X, he expressed gratitude towards the Marines but emphasized the need for better safety measures in the future.
The artillery was scheduled to be fired at 1:46 p.m., roughly half an hour after the CHP halted traffic around 1 p.m. along a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5. The exercise was anticipated to last until 1:51 p.m., during which approximately 60 rounds were to be fired from White’s Beach, aimed northward. However, one artillery round failed to clear the roadway and detonated midflight near southbound Interstate 5, prompting the termination of the exercise and the cessation of additional munitions fire.
Governor Newsom criticized the White House for inadequate coordination and failure to communicate safety information prior to the Marine Corps celebration. While administration officials maintained that the Pendleton event was safe and did not require a freeway closure, Newsom's office had previously been informed that no live fire would occur over the freeway. On the morning of the event, military organizers requested a sign along the I-5 indicating that “overhead fire in progress” would be taking place, which raised further safety concerns.
Following the events of Saturday, CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado described the situation as “unusual and concerning.” As investigations continue, the need for improved communication and safety protocols during military exercises is clearer than ever. This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing public safety, especially when conducting operations near heavily trafficked areas like Interstate 5.
