During a recent live-fire training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California, a piece of metal shrapnel from an exploding artillery shell severely damaged a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. The incident unfolded as military personnel conducted drills over Interstate 5, prompting safety concerns and leading California Governor Gavin Newsom to voice his objections to the training's location.
The premature detonation occurred on Saturday as part of preparations for the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, according to the CHP. Although no injuries were reported, the incident raised alarms regarding public safety and military practices.
The Marine Corps acknowledged that the explosion took place outside the designated impact area and confirmed that firing was suspended following the event. Captain Gregory Dreibelbis, of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, stated that they are committed to examining the root cause of the incident and implementing findings in future operations.
Governor Newsom expressed his discontent via social media, stating, We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects. Traffic along the affected stretch of highway was briefly halted before being reopened post-incident.
In the wake of the event, an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. A report revealed that one officer noted hearing what sounded like pebbles falling near his motorcycle, discovering a piece of shrapnel nearby, while the patrol vehicle sustained minor dents and scratches.
Vice President JD Vance, who observed the exercise, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to the site to celebrate the Marine Corps anniversary and witness troop demonstrations related to beach assaults. Vance, a Marine veteran himself, affirmed the exercise's significance and context, yet the incident has ignited further scrutiny over the safety protocols during military training exercises conducted in populated areas.
