Shell Detonated Over Interstate 5 During Marines Event, California Officials Say

A 155-millimeter shell fired during a live-fire demonstration for the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton on Saturday prematurely detonated, dropping fragments of the shell on a California Highway Patrol vehicle and motorcycle that were part of Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail, according to a patrol report.

No officers were hurt in the mishap, which dropped shrapnel onto the vehicles parked on a ramp to a major freeway that had been ordered closed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The governor had objected to the plan to fire over the freeway, Interstate 5, and ordered a 17-mile stretch closed — against the guidance of military officials, who had said it was safe for it to remain open.

According to the patrol report, one officer described what sounded like pebbles hitting his motorcycle and the area around him, and two others saw a two-inch piece of shrapnel hit the hood of their patrol vehicle, leaving a small dent. The report says shrapnel was also found on the road near the motorcycle.

Mr. Newsom had warned that the Marine Corps’ plans to fire artillery shells over Interstate 5, the West Coast’s main north-south artery, could pose hazards for motorists on the stretch between Los Angeles and San Diego. The closure he ordered on Saturday caused significant backups on the portion of the interstate, which is used by approximately 80,000 people daily.

... ok, I feel like I am taking crazy pills.

Too tired to cut out summarize, here's my written attempt at... comprehending this... :

As part of a big military training excercise / publicity stunt / 'morale booster', Hegseth orders the Marines to fire live artillery rounds from Camp Pendleton on a trajectory that goes over I5, the busiest, main highway in California...

... and one of the shells detonates prematurely, and rains shrapnel down on JD Vance's security detail motorcade, on I5.

After Newsom closed I5 down for safety, after being told that would be unnecessary.

...

Yeah.

Sure.

... why not.

Accident?

Not so subtle 'fuck you' from the Marines, who now have less funding than ICE, whose 250th Anniversary isn't actually until November 10th?

???

Fucking mark this timeline zero, dude, this is over the line.