Shrapnel Damages Cars on California Highway During Marines Celebration
During a recent event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps in California, shrapnel from live artillery unexpectedly damaged vehicles on a busy highway. This incident on Saturday occurred as Vice President JD Vance attended the demonstration, which featured live munitions. The California Highway Patrol reported that at least two vehicles were hit by shrapnel due to an artillery round detonating prematurely.
Incident Overview
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that the shrapnel rained down from the sky like small pebbles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. State officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, expressed concerns over the safety of firing live rounds over a crowded highway. Newsom stated that such actions pose a significant risk to public safety and driver distractions.
Response from Officials
- Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision to use live munitions, saying it was “not just wrong – it’s dangerous.”
- Officials from VP Vance’s office initially claimed the demonstration was safe, countering Newsom’s warnings.
- In light of the mishap, the Marine Corps cancelled the remainder of the firing exercises after being notified by the Highway Patrol.
After the incident, the California Highway Patrol documented that the damaged vehicles were part of Vice President Vance’s protective detail. They were repurposed to help secure the highway during the event.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The First Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton acknowledged the incident, indicating that it is currently under investigation. They noted that the live fire event underwent a comprehensive safety evaluation. According to their statement, all established safety protocols were in place, and firing was halted immediately following the mishap.
Military Demonstration Details
This demonstration was the largest in the continental United States in a decade. It featured a range of military assets, including:
- Fighter jets
- Navy vessels
- Helicopters
- Live fire from a towed howitzer
Vice President Vance delivered remarks during the event, emphasizing the importance of the military and criticizing ongoing government challenges, including the recent federal shutdown.
Political Context
The incident has sparked a political debate. Newsom accused Vance and former President Donald Trump of putting lives at risk for a public display. He asserted that support for the military should focus on more than just extravagant events. Instead, he insisted that addressing the government shutdown should also be a priority for honoring service members.
As investigations into the shrapnel incident continue, safety practices around military exercises remain in focus. Events like these underline the need for stringent protocols to ensure public safety during military demonstrations.
