During the 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, an ordnance prematurely detonated over the 5 Freeway, striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. The incident occurred as part of a live-fire military demonstration attended by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The celebration included live artillery fire, which required the temporary closure of a 17-mile stretch of the freeway, stranding drivers for hours. According to an internal CHP report, the artillery round failed to clear the roadway, detonating mid-air and sending shrapnel over the freeway. A CHP patrol SUV was struck, leaving a dent, but no officers were inside at the time. A CHP motorcycle was also hit, though it sustained no damage.
CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado expressed concern over the incident, stating, “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.” The CHP immediately informed the Marine Corps, which canceled further firing over the freeway and conducted a safety sweep. No additional shrapnel was found, and no injuries were reported.
The freeway, used by over 80,000 people daily, was closed as a precaution, causing significant traffic disruptions. The closure was prompted by a last-minute request from the federal government to display signs reading “LIVE WEAPONS OVER FREEWAY.” California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision to conduct live-fire exercises over a busy freeway, calling it “reckless” and urging for better coordination in the future.
The Marine Corps has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the premature detonation. In response to the incident, the CHP has recommended an after-action review to improve planning and coordination for future events near public roadways. The incident has sparked a debate between state and federal officials over safety protocols and communication.
ABC7 and ABC News reported that the Marine Corps had initially assured that no live fire would impact public areas. However, the sudden change in plans led to the freeway closure and subsequent traffic issues. Governor Newsom has called for an apology from the Trump administration, highlighting the lack of coordination and communication leading up to the event.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for stringent safety measures and clear communication when conducting military exercises near populated areas. As investigations continue, officials aim to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and the public.
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