Part of Vice President JD Vance’s security detail was hit by shrapnel from a shell that detonated prematurely during a Marine Corps event in California, according to a report.
The New York Times reported that a 155-millimeter shell fired during a live demo at Camp Pendleton on Saturday for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary prematurely detonated, dropping fragments on a motorcycle part of Vance’s motorcade and a California Highway Patrol vehicle.
The California Highway Patrol said in a statement that metal shrapnel from an explosive device fired over Interstate 5 detonated overhead.
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado said. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”
The Marine Corps suspended firing and no injuries were reported.
The First Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton said it has launched an investigation into the incident.
“The demonstration went through a rigorous safety evaluation, and deliberate layers of redundancy, to ensure the safety of fellow citizens,” it said in a statement. “We are committed to determining the incident’s root cause and applying findings to future missions.”
Vance told reporters on Sunday that he had “a great visit” with the Marines.
“They were obviously excited and I was very excited too,” he said on his way back to Washington, D.C. His office did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the shell detonation.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted Vance and President Donald Trump for being “reckless” with people’s lives over a “vanity project.”
“Donald Trump and JD Vance put lives at risk to put on a show,” he wrote on X. “If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them.”
The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.
Newsom raised alarm over the Camp Pendleton event last week after MeidasTouch reported that the Marine Corps was planning to shoot live missiles as a show of force.
Vance’s office swiftly clapped back at Newsom at the time, calling the event a “training exercise” and denying reports that I-5 would be closed down for the event.
The First Marine Expeditionary Force, which hosted the demonstration, told the Daily Beast on Sunday that rehearsals were conducted to ensure “success at every phase of execution.”
“Marines fire artillery on Camp Pendleton nearly every week, from High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to M777 Howitzers,” it said. “Indirect weapon systems, such as the M777, are designed to fire over the heads of friendly forces to achieve effects on our adversary. We trust this system with our lives.”
