Newsom criticizes Vance as 'reckless' after shrapnel strikes VP security vehicle during Marine demo

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted Vice President JD Vance as “reckless,” after shrapnel from an artillery shell fired during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration struck vehicles in the vice president’s security motorcade.

“We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the vice president and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects,” Newsom said in a statement to The New York Times on Sunday, October 19.

Shrapnel hits vice president’s security detail

Reportedly, a 155-millimeter shell detonated prematurely during the live-fire display at Camp Pendleton in North San Diego County, dropping fragments on a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle and motorcycle escorting the vice president.

No officers were hurt and as per the patrol report, one officer described the incident as sounding like pebbles striking his motorcycle. Yet another officer found a two-inch piece of shrapnel lodged in the hood of his patrol car.

The CHP confirmed that one of its units, stationed to manage traffic along a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 during the demonstration, was hit by shell fragments.

Photos from the incident report show a pierced hood and debris from the exploded munition.

“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado, who is also a Marine veteran.

“It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway,” he added.

Capt Gregory Dreibelbis, operations officer in the I Marine Expeditionary Force, said officials are investigating “a possible airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery round outside the designated impact area."

Governor Newsom says Trump and Vance 'put lives at risk'

Governor Newsom, who had earlier objected to the freeway closure and the use of live ammunition near civilian routes, renewed his criticism on social media following the mishap.

He wrote on X, "Donald Trump and JD Vance put lives at risk to put on a show.

If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them."

He had previously called the celebration a “profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm’s way,” noting that the event caused major disruptions on one of the state’s busiest highways.

CHP and Marines launch investigation

Both the CHP and Marine Corps have opened probes into the incident. 

The White House provided a statement from the Marine Corps that said they did not request the closure of the highway. They also thanked the public for their patience.

This demonstration showcased "the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team,” the statement further said.

Newsom, however, said on Sunday, that the incident underscored the dangers of politicized military spectacles.