CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — What was billed as a “live-fire demonstration” by the U.S. Marine Corps has sparked outrage after a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle was struck by metal debris from an artillery round fired over Interstate 5 on Saturday — an incident many are calling an unnecessary and dangerous political stunt.
According to an internal report released Sunday, the round detonated prematurely midair during the exercise, scattering shrapnel that hit a CHP patrol car stationed along I-5 near Camp Pendleton. The CHP confirmed no injuries occurred, but photos show a chunk of jagged metal embedded in the vehicle’s roof.
The demonstration coincided with the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration and came amid heightened political tensions nationwide. The event, promoted by the White House as part of a series of “military showcases,” took place on the same day Americans across the country held “No Kings” rallies denouncing political overreach and authoritarian displays of power.
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado in a statement. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”
The CHP report urged an immediate “after-action review” between state, local, and federal agencies, citing the need for stronger communication and coordination before any future military exercises near civilian infrastructure.
Officials said the Marines canceled remaining live-fire activity after the incident and swept the area for debris. No additional damage or injuries were reported.
But the political timing and lack of transparency surrounding the event have fueled anger from state leaders and safety advocates. Critics called it “reckless,” arguing that military exercises of this nature — particularly over a major public freeway — have no justification outside of political spectacle.
“This wasn’t about safety or training,” said one California official familiar with the situation. “It was theater. And now we’re lucky no one was killed because of it.”
The event’s proximity to the I-5, one of California’s busiest highways, compounded public concern. Many residents said they were unaware live ammunition would be used near civilian zones. Social media users described hearing explosions and seeing military aircraft during the day.
The CHP confirmed officers initiated a “traffic break” beginning at 1:15 p.m. to temporarily close portions of the interstate as artillery rounds were fired from a nearby beachhead. The round that struck the patrol vehicle detonated around 1:46 p.m., according to the report.
Experts have warned for years about the dangers of blending military operations with political messaging — especially during times of domestic unrest. “When leaders use displays of force as a form of propaganda, the line between governance and intimidation blurs,” said a defense analyst who reviewed the incident report.
For many Californians, Saturday’s mishap underscored that fear. Coming just weeks after unauthorized naval strikes abroad and a string of controversial statements from the White House, the live-fire display felt less like a celebration and more like a show of dominance.
The CHP’s final report stopped short of assigning political blame, but its language — describing the incident as “unusual,” “concerning,” and “requiring further review” — signals growing tension between state authorities and the federal government.
“Safety should never take a back seat to spectacle,” Coronado said. “Our officers and our citizens deserve better communication and better protection.”
The California Highway Patrol said it will share its findings with federal and state partners. As of Sunday evening, the Department of Defense had not issued a formal statement.
