Controversy Erupts Over Military Artillery Exercise Over California Highway

Sun Oct 19 2025 16:06:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Governor Gavin Newsom halts freeway traffic for safety as military officials assert the artillery exercise is safe.

A plan to conduct live artillery fire over Interstate 5 in Southern California has sparked protests from Governor Gavin Newsom, citing public safety concerns. The Republican Vice President, JD Vance, along with military officials, insists the exercise poses no risk. Despite assurances, state authorities proceed with closing sections of the highway to ensure the safety of travelers. The event, marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, will showcase amphibious vehicles and aircraft.

A plan to fire live artillery shells over a major Southern California highway as part of a military showcase attended by Vice President JD Vance has drawn strong objections from Governor Gavin Newsom, who stated safety concerns forced him to close a 17-mile (27 kilometers) portion of Interstate 5.

“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom remarked. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”

Vance and U.S. Marine officials at Camp Pendleton have contended that there is no danger associated with the artillery exercise and no need to disrupt traffic on the interstate, a vital artery between San Diego and Los Angeles.

The military event, which celebrates the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, will feature a demonstration of amphibious vehicles and aircraft along with a beach landing display.

The state previously contemplated closing the freeway but was assured by the Marines that the exercises would occur on approved training grounds adhering to safety protocols.

Ultimately, state transportation officials decided to close the freeway after practice fire operations and a request from event organizers for signage indicating “Overhead fire in progress.”

The California Highway Patrol announced that the freeway would be closed Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, cautioning travelers to expect delays.

The spokesperson for the California Department of Transportation noted that “this is all because of the White House-directed military event, which necessitates the closure for the public’s safety as live ordnance will be discharged over the freeway."

Statements from Vance's office have criticized Newsom for misleading the public about safety risks, asserting that the training is routine. They stated, “If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead.”

Traffic disruptions are anticipated to add up to two hours of travel time for commuters along a road that supports 80,000 daily travelers and substantial freight movement.