An artillery shell detonated prematurely midflight Saturday during a Marines anniversary event attended by Vice President JD Vance, sending shrapnel flying toward California Highway Patrol vehicles, according to a report from the CHP.The incident, which was first reported by The New York Times, occurred after California Gov. Gavin Newsom had warned about the danger of the event, which involved firing live artillery over Interstate 5, a busy highway in Southern California. “The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said in a statement before the event. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”The White House, meanwhile, had argued there were no “public safety concerns” associated with the exercises, citing guidance from leaders of the Marines. Newsom and the White House had also sparred about the need to close down parts of Interstate 5, where the event was taking place. Newsom eventually shut down portions of the highway, despite claims from the White House that it was unnecessary. The event, which sought to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, occurred at the same time as millions turned out to condemn President Donald Trump’s leadership at “No Kings” protests across the country. In addition to the deployment of live artillery, the event also featured demonstrations of fighter jets and Navy vessels. An artillery shell failed to clear the roadway after it was fired, the CHP report states. One patrol vehicle was struck by shrapnel, which left a small dent on the hood, while another officer found shrapnel near his motorcycle. No officers were injured, the report noted. “This was an unusual and concerning situation,” CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado said in a statement. “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 has opened an investigation into the incident, a spokesperson said. “The demonstration went through a rigorous safety evaluation, and deliberate layers of redundancy, to ensure the safety of fellow citizens,” Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis said in a statement. “Following established safety protocols, firing was suspended. No injuries occurred and the demonstration concluded as scheduled.”Newsom criticized the White House and vice president in his response to the mishap. “We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects,” Newsom wrote in a statement on X. Spokespeople for the White House and vice president did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Close