Shrapnel Hits Two CHP Vehicles on I-5. Lawmakers Want Answers.
11/8/2025 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions
Unusual event near I-5 sparks safety questions and political fallout.
Shrapnel struck two CHP vehicles on I-5 during a live fire display tied to the Marines’ 250th anniversary, attended by Vice President J.D. Vance and Pete Hegseth. Rep. Mike Levin and others want to know why artillery was fired over the freeway. Newsom’s closure order and planning missteps are under review by CHP, and the Marine Corps is investigating.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal
Shrapnel Hits Two CHP Vehicles on I-5. Lawmakers Want Answers.
11/8/2025 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions
Shrapnel struck two CHP vehicles on I-5 during a live fire display tied to the Marines’ 250th anniversary, attended by Vice President J.D. Vance and Pete Hegseth. Rep. Mike Levin and others want to know why artillery was fired over the freeway. Newsom’s closure order and planning missteps are under review by CHP, and the Marine Corps is investigating.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipCalifornia lawmakers are demanding answers from the Trump administration after shrapnel struck two California Highway Patrol vehicles on Interstate five on October 18th during a live fire exercise at the Marines 250th anniversary celebr.. Vice president J.D.
Vance and Secretar.. Hegseth were attending the event.
The location was unusual, military and public safety officials said.
Although live fire training is routine, it usually takes place on designated ranges within the base in North County San Diego.
I was very disappointed because I hoped we could celebrate the Marine.. without undue risk.
Representative Mike Levin, a Democrat who represents the district, including Camp Pendleton, told Calmatters.
Levin sent a letter signed by 26 California Congress members and the state's two senators to Hegseth, asking who decided to shoot live artillery over the freeway and how authorities planned for the safety risks.
The mishap deepened conflicts between President Donald Trump and California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, with some Republicans chastising Newsom for closing the freeway during the live fire exercise.
Other local leaders were exasperated by an unorthodox military display that they believe was orchestrated for the benefit of Trump administration officials.
Leaders in Oceanside, the city south of the base, said there was conflicting and changing information about the live fire demonstration until the morning of the event.
Last week, authorities said the freeway would remain open, but the morning of the event, Governor Gavin Newsom shut it down for safety reasons.
The administration heard safety warnings from the Marine Corps and completely ignored them.
That would mean J.D.
Vance and Pete Hegseth cared more about their demonstration than the safety of Marines, the safety of communities.
So we need to push for answers and accountability, Levin said.
The CHP called for additional review of the planning, communication, and coo.. of the freeway closure and public safety.
The Marine Corps is also investigating the event.
For Calmatters, I'm Deborah Brennan.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal