California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) sounded off against the Trump administration on Sunday, after live ammunition was fired over California freeways in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary.
Bits of shrapnel from ammunition fell onto cars parked on the freeway, including one car from Vance’s own motorcade, after one shell prematurely detonated, The New York Times reported on Sunday.
The California Highway Patrol also reported artillery debris striking one of its patrol vehicles, calling it an “unusual and concerning situation.”
“It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway,” CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado said in a statement. “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.”
Newsom had previously voiced concerns about the Marines’ use of live ammunition for the festivities and ordered part of the highway closed, which military officials initially said would not happen.
“All training events will occur on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols. No public highways or transportation routes will be closed,” the Marine Corps said in a statement published prior to the demonstration.
The statement added that “multiple rehearsals will be conducted” and assured the public that the Marines had “conducted a detailed risk assessment.”
On Saturday, Newsom ordered a portion of Interstate 5 closed for a portion of the day at the recommendation of traffic safety experts, according to a press release.
After reports of the shrapnel emerged, Newsom took out his anger on the president and vice president via X.
“The shrapnel that hit CHP vehicles over the weekend from Trump and Vance’s military live-munitions demonstration came from this ordnance,” the governor’s press office account wrote on Sunday. “It’s no small thing. This is what the White House thought was fine to fly over civilians on a major freeway. Thankfully, the Governor closed it.”
The White House’s “Rapid Response” X account had indeed downplayed concerns from “Newscum” in a tweet from Saturday that was still live on Monday.
“Newscum is lying. He closed the highway — not only did nobody at the White House or the Marines ask him to do so, the Marines repeatedly said there are no public safety concerns with today’s exercises. Newscum lies and tries to make it about himself? Day ending in ‘y,’” the account said.
The Marine Corps and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.
Newsom fired back at the White House on Sunday.
“First, you misled Californians about the live munitions being shot over I-5. Then you accused the Governor of overreacting when he closed a portion of the freeway to protect the public,” a tweet from the governor’s press office said.
“And now we learn … live ordinance detonated early, striking a vehicle on a closed portion of the highway during the event. Without a doubt an apology is owed — to not just Californians, but all Americans.”
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