Marines’ Live Artillery Shrapnel Strikes Patrol Vehicle on California Interstate

The U.S. Marine Corps is investigating an incident involving live artillery during a recent demonstration in California. On Saturday, shrapnel from a fired artillery shell hit a California Highway Patrol vehicle on Interstate 5, which was temporarily halted for the event. There were no reported injuries, but the incident raised significant concerns.
Details of the Incident
The artillery round detonated prematurely over the interstate during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the damage to at least one patrol vehicle, which was positioned to manage traffic during the live-fire demonstration.
Statements from Officials
CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado expressed his concerns, noting it is highly unusual for such activities to occur over an active freeway. Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis, spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, acknowledged the incident and confirmed awareness of a potential airborne detonation outside the designated area.
Extent of Damage
- The damaged vehicle had a shrapnel wound on its hood, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches in size.
- A motorcycle officer reported finding a smaller fragment, about 1 inch by half an inch, near his vehicle.
Visual evidence from CHP incident reports shows significant damage, further raising questions about safety protocols during the event.
Political Reactions
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the live-fire plan, emphasizing the potential risks. He stated that the state had insufficient notice regarding the operation, calling it an “absurd show of force” by the administration. Newsom warned, “This could have killed someone,” highlighting public safety concerns surrounding the event.
A spokesperson for Newsom reiterated the governor’s gratitude toward the Marines but urged that safety must come first in future planning. The White House did not respond to requests for comments on the incident immediately.
Response from the Marine Corps
In light of the occurrence, the Marine Corps has begun an internal investigation. Officials aim to determine the cause and prevent future incidents during training exercises. They stated safety regulations had been followed, emphasizing that live fire was suspended in accordance with established protocols.
Future Precautions
The CHP plans to review communication processes with federal authorities to enhance public safety during similar operations. Dreibelbis reiterated the commitment of the Marine Corps to learn from this incident and improve operational safety in the future.