‘Put Lives at Risk’: Newsom Rips Trump and Vance After Artillery Shell Explodes Over California Freeway, Hits CHP Vehicles
California Governor Gavin Newsom is refusing to back down after a live artillery shell exploded prematurely during a Marine Corps anniversary event in Southern California — sending shrapnel raining down over Interstate 5 and narrowly missing motorists.
The incident occurred during a demonstration for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton, a base known for its artillery and live-fire exercises. No one was injured, but two vehicles — including one from Vice President JD Vance’s security detail — were struck by debris from the blast.
“This is what the White House thought was fine to fly over civilians on a major freeway,” Newsom’s office wrote in a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of the unexploded ordnance. “The shrapnel that hit CHP vehicles over the weekend from Trump and Vance’s live-munitions demonstration came from this ordnance. It’s no small thing.”
A Controlled Demonstration Gone Wrong
The governor’s office confirmed that the 155mm artillery shell detonated prematurely, scattering metal fragments over a section of the highway that had been temporarily closed for the event.
In a follow-up post, Newsom doubled down, accusing former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and California Rep. Darrell Issa of recklessly ignoring his earlier safety warnings.
“Donald Trump and JD Vance put lives at risk to put on a show,” Newsom wrote. “If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them.”
Newsom said he had flagged the event days before it took place, after reports by MeidasTouch revealed plans for live missile launches as part of the celebration. His concerns were widely dismissed at the time as political grandstanding.
Critics Push Back
JD Vance’s communications director, William Martin, told The New York Times that Newsom’s warnings were overblown.
“Governor Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous,” Martin said. “The Marine Corps says it’s an established and safe practice.”
Representative Darrell Issa also criticized the governor, accusing him of “overruling the best-trained and most-experienced leaders of our Marine Corps” by temporarily closing parts of I-5 during the event.
Newsom Demands Accountability
In the wake of the explosion, Newsom’s office called for both an apology and a full investigation.
“You accused the Governor of overreacting when he closed a portion of the freeway to protect the public,” his office wrote to Issa on X. “Now we learn live ordnance detonated early, striking a vehicle on a closed portion of the highway during the event. Without a doubt, an apology is owed — not just to Californians, but to all Americans.”
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that one of its patrol cars was hit by shrapnel, as was a motorcycle in Vance’s motorcade. Though the damage was minor, CHP officials emphasized the seriousness of the incident.
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado. “It is highly uncommon for 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 Californians and the officers who protect them.”
Military Response
The First Marine Expeditionary Force, which organized the demonstration, said it is investigating the incident but maintained that safety protocols were followed and all phases had been rehearsed.
“Marines fire artillery on Camp Pendleton nearly every week,” the Marine statement said. “Indirect weapon systems, such as the M777, are designed to fire over the heads of friendly forces to achieve effects on our adversary. We trust this system with our lives.”
Still, the shell didn’t land on an enemy — it exploded over a California freeway.
A Political and Public Safety Flashpoint
For Governor Newsom, the incident underscores the risks of blending military symbolism with political theater. What began as a commemorative display has now escalated into a heated national debate about accountability, safety, and the use of military demonstrations for political optics.
“This was a preventable incident,” Newsom’s office said in a final statement. “When warnings are ignored and lives are put at risk, that’s not patriotism — it’s negligence.”
As investigators continue to determine how and why the shell detonated early, both the White House and the Pentagon are facing growing pressure to explain how such an accident could occur during a planned public event.
Screenshot: X
