Premature Shell Blast Halts I-5 Marine Demo

An artillery shell exploded prematurely during a Marines live-fire demonstration over Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton, scattering shrapnel onto a CHP vehicle and a motorcycle in JD Vance's detail, according to a patrol report. Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the freeway closed; the last-minute 17-mile shutdown caused severe delays before the exercise was canceled and an investigation launched. CHP called the incident unusual, and Caltrans said the White House-directed event required closure. Newsom condemned the display as dangerous, while Representative Darrell Issa called his move a publicity stunt and a Vance spokesperson said Newsom misled the public about safety.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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