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Artillery shrapnel hits vehicles on California highway during Marines celebration

October 20, 2025

During a US Marine Corps 250th birthday celebration attended by Vice President JD Vance in California, artillery shrapnel prematurely detonated overhead and struck two vehicles that were part of Vance's protective detail. The incident sparked political tension between California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had closed a section of Interstate 5 due to safety concerns, and the White House, which initially disputed these safety concerns before learning about the mishap. No injuries were reported, and the Marine Corps canceled further munitions firing while launching an investigation into the 155-millimeter shell incident.

Who is affected

  • California highway users and drivers on Interstate 5
  • Vice President JD Vance's protective detail vehicles
  • California Highway Patrol officers who witnessed the incident
  • Marines participating in the 250th birthday celebration
  • Motorists whose travel was disrupted by the highway closure
  • Federal workers affected by the government shutdown (mentioned in Vance's remarks)

What action is being taken

  • The Marine Corps has suspended firing of munitions following the incident
  • An investigation is currently underway by the First Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton regarding the 155-millimeter shell incident
  • California Highway Patrol is documenting the incident, having found pieces of shrapnel including one that dented a patrol car hood
  • The Defense Department is continuing to pay troops despite the government shutdown

Why it matters

  • The incident highlights safety concerns related to military demonstrations near civilian infrastructure
  • It has intensified political tensions between California's Democratic governor and the Republican administration
  • The event exposed disagreements about military training practices and appropriate use of active freeways for demonstrations
  • The incident occurred during a significant ceremonial event for the Marine Corps (250th birthday)
  • The situation highlights ongoing partisan divides regarding military priorities, diversity initiatives, and responsibility for the government shutdown

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC