Title: Reckless U.S. Military Endangers Public in Dangerous Live-Fire Display

In a shocking display of negligence, the U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton opened fire with live ammunition over a major California highway, causing an explosive shell to detonate prematurely and rain shrapnel onto a California Highway Patrol vehicle. This dangerous incident occurred despite fierce opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom, who had rightly raised urgent safety concerns.

The Marines proceeded with this irresponsible exercise, supervised by Vice President JD Vance, shutting down a critical 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 connecting Los Angeles and San Diego. Their actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for public safety. A 155mm artillery shell exploded in the air outside its designated impact zone, sending metal fragments onto the highway. One piece, measuring 5cm by 1.3cm, struck an unmanned patrol car, denting and scratching its hood. Another officer reported hearing shrapnel fall near him and his motorcycle.

While officials claim no one was injured, this was purely a matter of luck. The event forced an immediate halt to the firing and exposed the hollow assurances from the Marines that the exercise was “safe” and that disrupting traffic was “unnecessary.”

Governor Newsom condemned the action on social media, stating, “We love our Marines and are grateful for Camp Pendleton—but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity.” His words highlight the arrogance and irresponsibility of a federal government and military apparatus that prioritizes a public spectacle over the safety of the citizens they are supposed to protect. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by a militaristic culture operating with impunity.