Newsom Reacts to Shell Detonation at Military Exercise During Vance Visit [View all]
Source: Newsweek
Published Oct 19, 2025 at 06:35 PM EDT updated Oct 19, 2025 at 07:04 PM EDT
Governor Gavin Newsom called the White House "reckless" for going ahead with a military display during Vice President JD Vance's visit to California after an artillery shell accidentally detonated and damaged a police vehicle on Saturday. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment by email outside of normal business hours on Sunday evening.
Why It Matters
Newsom had warned the administration against staging the display, which occurred at Camp Pendleton in San Diego on Saturday during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, writing in a message on X posted Saturday that the display could prove "dangerous." "This is a profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm’s way," Newsom wrote in a post on X Saturday. "Flying live rounds over a busy highway without coordination between state, federal, and local partners isn't just wrong—it's dangerous."
Officials shut down the I-5 freeway, which carries 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight daily between San Diego and Orange counties, and canceled afternoon rail service for the line running parallel to the interstate. The Marine Corps said it had not requested any closure but appreciated as they conducted "realistic training during today’s historic Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration, showcasing the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team and ensuring we remain ready to defend the Homeland and our Nation’s interests abroad.”
What To Know
The 155-milimeter shell fired during the live-fire demonstration prematurely detonated over the freeway, dropping fragments on a CHP vehicle and motorcycle that were part of vice president's protective detail, according to a patrol report. CHP had elected to stop traffic during the exercise.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/newsom-reacts-shell-detonation-military-exercise-vance-visit-10903422
= new reply since forum marked as read