• Shrapnel from an explosive artillery shell damaged a CHP vehicle during a Marine Corps demonstration.
• No injuries were reported, but safety protocols were questioned by California officials.
• Governor Newsom criticized the event as "reckless," asserting it endangered public safety.

During a Marine Corps live-fire demonstration on Saturday at Camp Pendleton, metal shrapnel from an artillery shell struck a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle, as reported by multiple sources. This incident occurred over Interstate 5, which had been temporarily closed by Governor Gavin Newsom due to safety concerns. Thankfully, no injuries were reported; however, the situation raised alarms concerning the safety protocols during military exercises conducted so close to a busy freeway, according to The Hill, HuffPost, and SFGate.

The artillery incident occurred during an event marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The CHP confirmed that an artillery shell detonated prematurely, sending shrapnel toward their vehicles, prompting a review of the event. CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado labeled the event "unusual and concerning," noting that such live-fire exercises are rarely permitted over operational highways, as mentioned by HuffPost and The Hill.

Gov. Newsom angrily criticized the demonstration, calling it "reckless" and asserting that it placed unnecessary risk on public safety. He stated on social media that while he respects the Marines, such actions are irresponsible, especially considering the prior knowledge of potential dangers associated with firing live rounds over a densely populated highway. His statements reflected broader concerns regarding how military operations are conducted in proximity to civilian areas, as reported by The Hill and HuffPost.

In response to the incident, the Marine Corps initiated an investigation to ascertain the details surrounding the premature detonation of the artillery shell, emphasizing their commitment to safety. Captain Gregory Dreibelbis, a Marine Corps spokesperson, stated that the event had undergone a "rigorous safety evaluation" and indicated that further dialogue would seek to enhance future military training protocols in light of this event. Notably, the event serves as a critical reminder of the balance between military exercises and public safety, echoed in various statements from the CHP and local governance, according to SFGate and The Hill.