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On a recent Saturday, a significant incident occurred during a live-fire training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California. Vice President JD Vance attended the event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps. The incident involved metal shrapnel from an explosive ordnance that detonated prematurely, striking a nearby law enforcement vehicle.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the details through a press release issued to Fox News Digital. This unfortunate event took place while CHP officers were managing a traffic break along Interstate 5, a vital route in the area. The exact timing of the incident remains unclear, but it occurred during a crucial military demonstration.
Details of the incident
The CHP reported that the shrapnel incident occurred during a live-fire training session, specifically designed for the Marine Corps to demonstrate their capabilities. Officers had halted traffic on the freeway as a safety precaution during the exercise.
Following the incident, the CHP promptly notified military officials, leading to the suspension of further live ordnance firing over the freeway.
According to CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado, the incident was both “unusual and concerning.” He noted that it is highly irregular for live-fire training activities to occur over an active freeway, emphasizing the potential risks involved.
As a Marine himself, Coronado expressed respect for military operations but reaffirmed his primary duty: ensuring the safety of California residents and law enforcement personnel.
Investigation and safety protocols
In response to the incident, the CHP has initiated an internal report that includes a recommendation for a thorough after-action review.
This review will analyze the planning, communication, and coordination among federal, state, and local authorities during the event. The objective is to improve safety protocols for future military demonstrations and training activities near public roadways.
Officials from Camp Pendleton corroborated the CHP’s account, acknowledging that they are also conducting an investigation.
They indicated there was a potential airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery round outside the designated impact zone during the demonstration. The I Marine Expeditionary Force Communication Strategy and Operations team confirmed that the demonstration had undergone a rigorous safety evaluation, with multiple layers of redundancy in place to ensure public safety.
Reactions from officials
In a public statement, the Marine Corps maintained that it followed established safety protocols and halted firing immediately after the incident was reported. Fortunately, no injuries were recorded, and the event concluded as planned. However, the military is committed to investigating the root cause of the incident to apply lessons learned to future operations.
The situation elicited responses from various officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the handling of the event. He stated that both President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance “put lives at risk to put on a show,” urging the government to prioritize the well-being of military personnel. Governor Newsom emphasized that honoring troops should involve ensuring appropriate funding and support rather than staging dangerous demonstrations.
The incident at Camp Pendleton serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with military training exercises, particularly near populated areas. As investigations proceed, the focus will remain on strengthening safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
