California officials will shut down a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 today after military leaders confirmed that live-fire artillery rounds will be launched over the freeway during a Marine Corps celebration at Camp Pendleton. It’s an unprecedented move expected to cause massive traffic disruptions.
Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the White House for failing to coordinate safety plans ahead of the 250th Marine Corps anniversary event, “Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength,” which will feature Vice President JD Vance.
The closure, from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre, will last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Amtrak service between Orange and San Diego counties will also pause midday.
“The President is putting his ego over responsibility,” Newsom said Saturday. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong, it’s dangerous. Using our military to intimidate people isn’t a strength; it’s reckless and beneath the office he holds.”
State officials said they were first alerted to possible freeway closures earlier in the week. When no federal order came, California authorities moved to act, citing reports that Navy ships and Marine artillery units planned to fire live ordnance over the freeway toward the base.
Military officials maintain the operation is safe, saying no public roads will be directly endangered. Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis of the I Marine Expeditionary Force said Marines will fire M777 Howitzers into secure ranges with safety measures in place, using simulated explosions and visual effects for portions of the demonstration.
The live-fire show comes as “No Kings” rallies unfold across California, with demonstrators protesting what they call President Trump’s growing authoritarianism.
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