Marine Corps live-fire coaching causes shrapnel incident at Camp Pendleton

A bit of metallic shrapnel from an “explosive ordnance” that detonated overhead prematurely struck a legislation enforcement automobile in California on Saturday, throughout an occasion attended by Vice President JD Vance.

The California Freeway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the incident in a press launch shared with Fox Information Digital. It befell close to Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base in San Diego County.

The shrapnel was fired whereas CHP officers supported a site visitors break alongside I-5, the identical day that Vance visited Camp Pendleton to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

It’s unclear when precisely the incident occurred on Saturday. The CHP mentioned it occurred “throughout an distinctive U.S. Marine Corps live-fire coaching demonstration over the freeway, and the place the CHP had elected to cease site visitors through the live-fire train.”

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No accidents had been reported. CHP officers alerted the Marine Corps, who then “canceled firing extra dwell ordnance over the freeway,” per the company.

In an announcement, CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado referred to as the incident an “uncommon and regarding state of affairs.”

“It’s extremely unusual for any live-fire or explosive coaching exercise to happen over an energetic freeway,” mentioned Coronado. 

“As a Marine myself, I’ve large respect for our navy companions, however my foremost duty is guaranteeing the protection of the individuals of California and the officers who shield them.”

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Vice President JD Vance speaks through the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photograph/Gregory Bull)

“The CHP has filed an inner report on the incident, with a suggestion to conduct a further after-action overview into the planning, communication and coordination between federal, state, and native authorities across the occasion on Saturday, October 18, to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and coaching occasions close to public roadways,” the discharge concluded.

Camp Pendleton officers confirmed to Fox Information Digital that also they are conducting an investigation after a 155mm artillery spherical could have detonated exterior the designated influence space.

“We’re conscious of the report of a potential airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery spherical exterior the designated influence space through the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton, CA, Oct. 18,”  the I Marine Expeditionary Power Communication Technique and Operations crew instructed Fox Information Digital. “The demonstration went by way of a rigorous security analysis, and deliberate layers of redundancy, to make sure the protection of fellow residents. Following established security protocols, firing was suspended. No accidents occurred, and the demonstration concluded as scheduled.

“An investigation has been initiated. We’re dedicated to figuring out the incident’s root trigger and making use of findings to future missions,” the assertion continued. “An investigation has been initiated. We’re dedicated to figuring out the incident’s root trigger and making use of findings to future missions.”

In a submit on X, California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote that President Donald Trump and Vance “put lives in danger to placed on a present.”

“If you wish to honor our troops, open the federal government and pay them,” Newsom mentioned.

Vice President JD Vance boards Air Power Two at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on October 19, 2025, in San Diego, California. (Oliver Contreras-Pool/Getty Photos)

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Fox Information Digital reached out to Vance’s workplace for remark.

Fox Information Digital’s Lee Ross contributed to this report.