Governor Newsom Blasts Trump After Artillery Shell Detonates

UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has unleashed a furious response following a 155-millimeter artillery shell that detonated prematurely over Interstate 5 during a training exercise for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary on Saturday. The incident occurred during a live-munitions demonstration, prompting serious safety concerns and political backlash.

No injuries were reported, but shrapnel struck two vehicles, including one belonging to Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade. Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage, stating, “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.”

The California Highway Patrol confirmed that metal shrapnel from the detonation impacted one of its vehicles. The incident has raised alarms about the safety of conducting military exercises over active freeways, with CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado calling it a “highly uncommon” situation. “My foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them,” Coronado stated.

Newsom’s press office released a statement criticizing the White House, saying, “The shrapnel that hit CHP vehicles came from this ordnance. It’s no small thing.” They attached a photo of the artillery device to emphasize the seriousness of the event.

The incident has sparked a heated exchange between Newsom and Republican officials. William Martin, communications director for Vance, dismissed Newsom’s concerns, asserting that the Marine Corps deems the exercise safe and part of routine training at Camp Pendleton. “Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous,” Martin told The New York Times.

In response, Newsom’s office demanded an apology from Vance and California Representative Darrell Issa, who had previously criticized the governor for closing the highway during the exercise. “You accused the Governor of overreacting… and now we learn live ordinance detonated early,” Newsom’s office posted. “Without a doubt, an apology is owed — to not just Californians, but all Americans.”

The First Marine Expeditionary Force, which conducted the demonstration, stated they are investigating the incident but maintained that rehearsals were performed to ensure safety. “Marines fire artillery on Camp Pendleton nearly every week… We trust this system with our lives,” they stated.

As tensions escalate, the incident raises critical questions about the safety protocols surrounding military exercises in populated areas. The fallout continues as authorities and the public await further developments on this alarming situation.