Metal shrapnel from an exploding artillery shell hit and damaged a California Highway Patrol vehicle as personnel at a U.S. Marine Corps base fired live rounds over a highway — despite the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom — during weekend exercises observed by Vice President JD Vance. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The accident occurred when an ordnance detonated unexpectedly during Saturday’s exercise at Camp Pendleton, according to the California Highway Patrol. Governor Newsom had previously raised concerns over the danger of firing munitions over Interstate 5 and closed a 17-mile stretch of the highway during the drills, which marked the upcoming 250th birthday of the Marine Corps. The area had been designated for traffic shutdown, yet the incident took place nonetheless. A spokesperson for the Marine Corps confirmed they were aware of a possible airborne detonation of a 155 mm artillery round outside the designated impact zone. In adherence to safety protocols, firing was subsequently suspended. An investigation has been initiated to determine the incident’s root cause and to apply findings to future missions. The highway patrol reported that one officer heard what sounded like pebbles falling on his motorcycle and later discovered a piece of shrapnel. Overall, the Marine Corps had defended the exercise as safe and felt that traffic disruptions on I-5 were unnecessary. Newsom criticized the handling of the event, suggesting more caution should have been exercised, especially with the Vice President's involvement. Vance, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, attended the base in preparation for the upcoming Marine Corps anniversary.