California lawmakers want answers after live fire demonstration rained shrapnel on highway

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 3:52 PM EDT, October 23, 2025


California lawmakers are demanding answers after a live fire demonstration over Camp Pendleton Saturday led to a misfire that rained shrapnel on Interstate 5, striking two California Highway Patrol vehicles.

An artillery shell exploded over the freeway during a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, attended by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Pieces of shrapnel scattered on the closed roadway and struck a patrol vehicle and motorcycle.

“I was very disappointed, because I hoped we could celebrate the Marine Corps without undue risk,” Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat from San Clemente and Carlsbad who represents the district including Camp Pendleton, told CalMatters. “I’m led to believe the decision-making did not put public safety first. That’s why we’re calling for a full investigation.”

On Wednesday 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. “While we are relieved no one was injured, we are deeply concerned by the decision-making that led to this incident,” Levin wrote.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/general-news-pete-hegseth-california-gavin-newsom-donald-trump-85ce37d4d88a650f6c0867bfa6331749

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Link to Rep. Mike Levin PRESS RELEASE - Rep. Mike Levin and California Members Demand Answers on Live Artillery Fire Over I-5

Link to LETTER (PDF) - https://levin.house.gov/download/hegseth-letter-re-i-5-closures?download=1

REFERENCES

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143548436
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143549558
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143549904
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143550091
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143550274
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143551270