Introduction to the Incident
Ordnance fired over the 5 Freeway at Camp Pendleton during the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps prematurely detonated, striking and damaging a California Highway Patrol vehicle that was part of Vice President JD Vance’s detail, the CHP said Sunday. The incident occurred in the area where CHP officers were supporting a traffic break along Interstate 5, which had briefly been ordered closed by Caltrans during the live-fire exercise.
The Incident Unfolds
The CHP on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, released a photo of a piece of ordnance it said was fired by the Marines over the 5 Freeway at Camp Pendleton and prematurely detonated Saturday, Oct. 18, striking a CHP vehicle. (Photo courtesy California Highway Patrol)
The CHP on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, released this map showing where a patrol vehicle was hit by shrapnel on Saturday, Oct. 18, after ordnance it said was fired by the Marines over the 5 Freeway at Camp Pendleton prematurely detonated. (Image courtesy California Highway Patrol)
The incident happened in the area where CHP officers were supporting a traffic break along Interstate 5, which had briefly been ordered closed by Caltrans during the live-fire exercise in a decision that became a political hot point, with Gov. Gavin Newsom criticizing the Trump administration for holding the display, and Newsom drawing criticism himself for the freeway closure.
Reaction from Authorities
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado said Sunday. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.” No injuries were reported.
Investigation and Aftermath
CHP personnel immediately notified the Marine Corps at the scene, who then canceled firing additional live ordnance over the freeway, and the area was swept for further evaluation, the CHP said. The agency has filed an internal report on the incident, with a recommendation to conduct an additional after-action review into the planning, communication and coordination between federal, state, and local government around Saturday’s event, “to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training events near public roadways.” A Marine Corps spokesperson said the service was aware of “a possible airborne detonation” of a 155 mm artillery round outside the exercise’s designated impact area.
Statements from Officials
“Following established safety protocols, firing was suspended. No injuries occurred and the demonstration concluded as scheduled,” Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis of the I Marine Expeditionary Force said in an emailed statement. An investigation has been initiated, he said. “We are committed to determining the incident’s root cause and applying findings to future missions,” Dreibelbis said. An incident report filed by the highway patrol said one officer heard what sounded like pebbles falling on his motorcycle and about 3 feet (91 centimeters) around him. His motorcycle was not damaged. He found a 1 inch-by-0.5 inch (2.5 cm-by-1.3 cm) piece of shrapnel nearby. One unoccupied patrol vehicle was hit by shrapnel. Officers found a 2 inch-by-0.5 inch (5 cm-by-1.3 cm) piece of shrapnel on the vehicle. It left a small dent and scratch on the vehicle’s hood.
Political Fallout
Vance attended Saturday’s demonstration, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top military officials. Vance and his family departed Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Sunday morning for the five-hour flight back to Washington D.C. He made no public remarks before departing. Saturday’s celebration was dubbed “From Sea to Shore: A Review of Amphibious Strength,” and honored both the 250th birthday of the Marines and the U.S. Navy. The Navy turned 250 on Monday, and the Marines will do the same on Nov. 10. Newsom, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump and a possible presidential candidate in 2028, criticized the planned display earlier Saturday. “The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous,” Newsom said.
Conclusion
The incident at Camp Pendleton highlights the risks and challenges associated with live-fire exercises, particularly when they are conducted near public roadways. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is likely that new protocols and safety measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The political fallout from the incident has also been significant, with Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials criticizing the Trump administration for its handling of the event.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton?
A: Ordnance fired over the 5 Freeway prematurely detonated, striking and damaging a California Highway Patrol vehicle.
Q: Was anyone injured in the incident?
A: No injuries were reported.
Q: What was the reaction of authorities to the incident?
A: The CHP and Marine Corps immediately suspended firing and launched an investigation into the incident.
Q: What has been the political fallout from the incident?
A: Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials have criticized the Trump administration for its handling of the event, with some accusing the administration of putting politics over public safety.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and it is likely that new protocols and safety measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
