News Summary
A live-fire demonstration by the Marine Corps in San Diego triggered safety alarms after an artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, damaging a CHP vehicle. While no injuries occurred, the incident has prompted a review of safety protocols for such events. Attended by Vice President JD Vance, the demonstration was part of the Marine Corps’ 250th-anniversary celebrations but resulted in significant traffic disruptions. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the event as dangerous, emphasizing the need for better coordination among agencies for future military exercises.
San Diego, California – A live-fire demonstration held by the Marine Corps on October 18, 2025, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, raised serious safety concerns after an artillery shell prematurely detonated over Interstate 5, striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) patrol vehicle with shrapnel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has prompted a review of safety protocols associated with such demonstrations.
The event took place at Camp Pendleton, California, and was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. Traffic was stopped along the highway during the exercise, which was part of a larger display of amphibious capabilities, involving multiple military assets including fighter jets, helicopters, and Navy vessels. Despite the extensive safety evaluations that the demonstration underwent, the incident has raised questions about the coordination of safety measures between federal, state, and local agencies.
Following the detonation, which occurred as traffic was halted on the highway, the Marine Corps acted to suspend any further firing of live ordnance over Interstate 5. CHP’s Border Division Chief Tony Coronado characterized the situation as “unusual and concerning,” while the California Department of Transportation reported that the shutdown of Interstate 5 for the demonstration resulted in significant traffic delays for about four hours. This major artery, serving approximately 65,000 vehicles daily, experienced back-ups that frustrated many motorists during the unplanned closure.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed strong dissatisfaction with the demonstration, deeming it dangerous and criticizing the decision to fire live rounds over a busy highway. He pointed out the extreme life safety risk involved and foundational issues of accountability and planning, which he claimed resulted in major traffic disruptions.
The live-fire training exercises at Camp Pendleton are routine and essential for maintaining combat readiness among Marines. The Marine Corps reassured that established safety protocols were followed during the event, but the CHP has since submitted an internal report highlighting the need for a thorough review concerning the coordination among various government levels for events like this.
In response to the incident, Vice President Vance’s office defended the overall practice of live-fire training, emphasizing it as a standard and safe practice, while underscoring that opposition to such military training could jeopardize national security.
An investigation into the premature detonation is now underway by the Marine Corps. This inquiry aims to determine the root cause of the incident, with the intention to apply any findings to enhance safety protocols in future military missions.
As more details continue to emerge, both local and military leaders are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that safety remains a top priority in future displays of military capability.
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Additional Resources
- Fox News
- USA Today
- The New York Times
- CNN
- BBC News
- Wikipedia: Marine Corps
- Google Search: Marine Corps live fire demonstration
- Google Scholar: Marine Corps training protocols
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Marine Corps
- Google News: Marine Corps shrapnel 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.
