The much-anticipated event at Camp Pendleton to commemorate the 250 years of the U.S. Marine Corps was set to be a vibrant affair, showcasing a live simulation of a beach assault executed by both sea and air. The plan involved Marines firing high explosive rounds from the M777 Howitzers, a type of artillery famously employed in conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Federal officials had guaranteed that the event would proceed with “all safety precautions in place” and assured the public that no highways would be affected. However, concerns arose from California officials regarding the danger posed by live rounds being fired over Interstate 5, which runs between the beach and the expansive military installation.
On the evening prior to the event, the Marines conducted a surprise test run without notifying state officials, firing artillery rounds over the I-5 freeway while motorists were still traveling on it, as reported by the governor’s office. The California Department of Transportation captured this live-fire activity on video, escalating concerns about public safety. By early Saturday morning, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a closure of a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5, from just south of San Clemente to just north of Oceanside, during the event, which drew an estimated 15,000 attendees, including a speech by Vice President JD Vance.
In a worrying turn of events, the California Highway Patrol reported that a cruiser parked on an on-ramp of I-5 was struck by falling shrapnel after an artillery round exploded midair, earlier than expected. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has led to significant scrutiny regarding safety measures during such live demonstrations. The Marines announced that they would be investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On Wednesday, reports circulated alleging that the White House intended to close Interstate 5 to facilitate missile launches from Navy warships into Camp Pendleton. In response, Governor Newsom's office described the plan as “an absurd show of force.” Late that evening, the Marine Corps confirmed their plans for a “live-fire” demonstration on Saturday, emphasizing that no public transport routes would be closed and that all training activities would adhere to established safety protocols.
The following day, the Marine Corps assured that no ordnance would be fired from Navy ships towards the shore, and confirmed that the M777 Howitzers would be used to fire high explosive rounds into designated ranges. The M777 Howitzer, integral to the Marine Corps since 2005, is known for its versatility in warfare, including configurations for precision guidance and armor-piercing capabilities. Each round weighs approximately 100 pounds and can be fired over a range of 15 to 25 miles.
On Friday, state officials observed the firing of the M777 Howitzers from Red Beach and were informed that this was a preparatory rehearsal. However, a request was made for electronic bulletin boards along Interstate 5 to display warnings about “overhead fire in progress.” The wording, however, was modified to read “Live weapons over freeway,” raising further alarms.
On the day of the event, Governor Newsom's office announced a brief closure of the I-5 due to safety concerns. This closure led to significant traffic delays, extending travel times between Los Angeles and San Diego to three hours. Newsom criticized the live-firing plans as dangerous, stating, “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”
At 1:46 p.m., an artillery round was fired that failed to clear the roadway and detonated midair, sending shrapnel toward a CHP protective services detail. While an unoccupied CHP patrol vehicle sustained minor damage, no injuries occurred. The demonstration was subsequently terminated, and no further munitions were fired.
In response to the incident, Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis, spokesperson for the First Marine Expeditionary Force, stated that the Marines would investigate the airborne detonation of the artillery round outside the designated impact area. He emphasized that the demonstration had undergone rigorous safety evaluations and that the Marines routinely conduct artillery exercises at Camp Pendleton without incident.
Governor Newsom expressed his concerns on social media, accusing the military of putting lives at risk during the demonstration. The Marines reiterated their commitment to safety and the investigation into the day’s events.
