Metal shrapnel from an explosive artillery shell damaged a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle during a Marine Corps live-fire training demonstration Saturday near a major highway, the patrol said.
The incident occurred along Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Vice President Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were at the base ahead of a celebration for the Marines’ 250th birthday on Nov. 10.
The CHP said no injuries were reported. The patrol said additional firings were canceled after Marines at the scene were notified, adding that an internal report filed on the incident recommends a review into the “planning, communication and coordination between federal, state, and local government” for the event.
CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado called the incident “unusual and concerning” and said in a statement it was “highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”
“As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them,” he added.
When reached for comment, the I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), which conducted the demonstration alongside the Navy’s Third Fleet, said live-firing trainings occur “year-round” at Camp Pendleton” and Saturday’s demonstration “went through a rigorous safety evaluation, and deliberate layers of redundancy, to ensure the safety of fellow citizens.”
After the incident, firing was suspended and an investigation into its “root cause” began, the I MEF said.
The Hill has reached out to the Pentagon and Vance’s office for comment. The Pentagon referred The Hill to the Marines.
Prior to the demonstration, Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom temporarily closed the highway due to safety concerns. In a statement before the event, Newsom said the administration was “using our military to intimidate people [they] disagree with,” adding that he closed the highway at the recommendation of CHP traffic safety experts.
On the social platform X on Saturday, the White House’s rapid response team said the Marines “repeatedly said there are no public safety concerns with today’s exercises.”
Later in the afternoon, after the incident, Newsom’s press office said the White House “misled Californians about the live munitions” being shot over the highway.
“Without a doubt an apology is owed — to not just Californians, but all Americans,” his office added.
Updated at 1:06 p.m.