During a US Marine Corps anniversary celebration in California, artillery fire caused shrapnel to hit two vehicles on a nearby highway, sparking a dispute between state officials and the White House over safety protocols.
The incident occurred during a demonstration for the Marines’ 250th birthday, which was attended by Vice President JD Vance and featured live munitions. The California Highway Patrol reported that one artillery round detonated prematurely overhead, striking two vehicles assigned to Vice President Vance’s security detail. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong – it’s dangerous.” His administration had previously closed a portion of Interstate 5 for the event, citing extreme life safety risks. However, White House officials, prior to learning of the shrapnel incident, had countered Newsom’s concerns, accusing him of trying to stir up fear.
The Marine Corps, upon being notified by the highway patrol, immediately suspended further live firing. A spokesperson for the First Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton acknowledged the incident, noting that the demonstration had undergone a thorough safety evaluation. Investigations into the event are currently underway.
Vice President Vance’s communications director, William Martin, had previously criticized Governor Newsom’s stance, asserting that opposing the training exercises would be typical of his “pathetic track record of failure as governor.”
Following the shrapnel event, Governor Newsom stated, “Donald Trump and JD Vance put lives at risk to put on a show.” He suggested that if they wished to honor troops, they should focus on reopening the federal government, which had experienced a shutdown due to a funding dispute.
The Marines described the demonstration as their largest in a decade in the continental US, involving fighter jets, Navy vessels, helicopters, and live artillery fire. Vice President Vance, a former Marine, used his platform to address political matters, including the government shutdown and military diversity initiatives.
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