Urgent: Newsom Blasts White House After Artillery Shell Incident

UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom is fuming after an artillery shell detonated prematurely during a Marine Corps training exercise, leading to significant safety concerns on Interstate 5. The incident occurred on Saturday while celebrating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, generating immediate backlash towards former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

No injuries were reported, but the explosion sent shrapnel flying, striking two vehicles, including one from Vance’s motorcade. Newsom’s office condemned the event, stating, “The shrapnel that hit CHP (California Highway Patrol) vehicles came from this ordnance. It’s no small thing.” Accompanying the statement was a photo of the artillery shell, emphasizing the potential danger posed to civilians.

Newsom took to social media, declaring, “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.” His comments reflect growing frustration over the decision to conduct live munitions training above a major highway.

The demonstration was initially flagged by Newsom after reports suggested the Marine Corps would employ live fire as part of routine training. While Vance’s office defended the exercise as “an established and safe practice,” Newsom is demanding accountability. “You accused the Governor of overreacting,” his office tweeted at Representative Darrell Issa, who criticized the freeway closure. “Now we learn … live ordinance detonated early, striking a vehicle on a closed portion of the highway. An apology is owed — to not just Californians, but all Americans.”

The California Highway Patrol confirmed that shrapnel from the explosion impacted its vehicles, with Border Division Chief Tony Coronado noting the unusual nature of live-fire training occurring over an active freeway. “This was an unusual and concerning situation,” he stated, emphasizing the safety of the public and officers as a top priority.

The First Marine Expeditionary Force, which hosted the exercise, is currently investigating the incident. They maintain that thorough rehearsals were conducted to ensure safety during the demonstration, claiming that firing artillery over friendly forces is a standard practice in military operations.

As the fallout continues, both Vance and Issa’s offices have yet to respond to Newsom’s demands for an apology. The incident raises critical questions about military safety protocols and the decision-making processes behind training exercises in populated areas.

Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent situation as officials investigate the implications of this incident.