News Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned a Marine Corps live-fire training exercise conducted near an active freeway, following an incident where shrapnel damaged a California Highway Patrol vehicle. Despite expressing gratitude towards the Marines for their service, Newsom criticized the White House for safety protocol lapses and called for improved communication to prevent future public safety risks. The incident has sparked a debate on military training exercises in populated areas, raising concerns over adequate safety measures and the decision-making process involved.
Los Angeles, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned a live-fire training exercise conducted by the Marine Corps as “reckless” following an incident in which shrapnel from an artillery shell damaged a vehicle belonging to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident took place at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County during a demonstration marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marines, which was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The CHP reported that the shrapnel from a 155 mm artillery round fell onto Interstate 5, leading to damage to a vehicle, although no injuries were reported. In response, Newsom expressed gratitude towards the Marines while simultaneously criticizing the White House, questioning the safety protocols in place during the event. He stated that the authorities should have exercised greater caution given the proximity of live-fire exercises to an active freeway.
Despite expressing gratitude to the Marines, Newsom emphasized that such dangerous encounters could have been avoided by adhering to safety recommendations. Safety concerns had previously prompted him to close a section of Interstate 5, in anticipation of the live-fire demonstration, based on guidance from CHP traffic safety experts. This decision was aimed at preventing any potential danger to the public from the ongoing military activities.
Tony Coronado, the CHP Border Division Chief, characterized the incident as “unusual and concerning,” highlighting the rarity of live-fire training being conducted over an active freeway. Following the explosion, activities involving live firing were immediately halted and an investigation was initiated to determine the causes of the incident. The I Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF) acknowledged awareness of the situation and confirmed that live-firing training is a routine occurrence at Camp Pendleton, claiming that rigorous safety evaluations are conducted prior to such demonstrations.
Though the Marines insisted that safety is a top priority in their operations, California officials reported they were not informed of the rehearsal involving live fire prior to the demonstration. Reports indicate that there have been no significant prior occurrences of live artillery fire conducted over Interstate 5, shouldering concerns about the decision-making process behind the demonstration.
In the wake of these events, the White House’s rapid response team claimed there were no public safety concerns related to the exercises, which drew a contrasting response from the state government. Newsom’s office criticized the White House for allegedly misleading Californians regarding the nature of the live munitions used and called for an apology to all Americans affected by the incident. Furthermore, Coronado has called for a thorough review to improve communication channels between state and federal entities during military demonstrations to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the incident has raised significant questions about the intersection of military training exercises and public safety. The ongoing discourse is likely to fuel discussions regarding the operational protocols of military drills, especially those conducted in urban and populated areas. Both Governor Newsom and representatives from the CHP advocate for stronger safeguards to ensure the protection of civilians during such military activities while still honoring the traditions and training necessary for the U.S. Marines.
In conclusion, while the Marine Corps reiterates its commitment to safety, the lack of prior communication to state officials regarding live-fire rehearsals has sparked controversy and calls for enhanced protocols to ensure public safety in future military demonstrations. The ongoing response to this event underscores the vital need for effective coordination between military and state authorities regarding potentially hazardous activities in populated regions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Launched After Artillery Incident at Marine Corps Event
Governor Newsom Critiques Military Display at Marine Corps Event
Premature Artillery Shell Explosion Causes Traffic Chaos in Southern California
Live-Fire Military Exercise Accidentally Hits CHP Vehicle
Live-Fire Demonstration Raises Safety Concerns in San Diego
Marine Corps Investigates Live-Fire Incident Over Freeway
Additional Resources
- Washington Post: Marines Live-Fire Incident
- Washington Post: Live-Fire Mishap
- The Hill: Live Fire Mishap In California
- Wikipedia: Military Training
- CNN: Gavin Newsom on Marine Corps Incident
- Google Search: California Live-Fire Training Incident
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
