Overview

• An explosion during the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary events near Camp Pendleton sent shrapnel into several vehicles, including a motorcycle in Vice President J.D. Vance’s convoy, with no injuries reported.
• California officials and witnesses described two-inch metal fragments and new dents on vehicles after the incident, which occurred during live-fire demonstrations tied to the celebration.
• Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the use of live rounds, called the display an absurd show of force, and demanded an apology from the administration.
• State authorities temporarily closed a section of Interstate 5 on Saturday after receiving notice that overhead fire signs would be posted, following earlier Marine assurances that no public roads would be shut.
• The Marine Corps and Vance’s office defended the activity as a routine, safety-compliant exercise, while the California Highway Patrol called firing over an active highway unusual and concerning.