California Governor Gavin Newsom reacts fiercely to a live-fire demonstration run by the U.S. Marines. The launch ended in a catastrophic detonation over the intersection of major California freeway arteries. The event, intended to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, has raised significant safety concerns among state officials.
The incident occurred on the I-5 freeway, a crucial transportation route that supports approximately 80,000 travelers and facilitates $94 million in freight daily. As we completed the demonstration, an artillery round exploded overhead. The falling debris smashed a California Highway Patrol vehicle and a motorcycle passing through the interchange. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Ultimately, though, Governor Newsom used that decision to reinforce his only obligation—keeping Californians safe. He is equally dedicated to ensuring the safety of the officers sworn to serve their communities. He called the whole live-fire exercise an “absurd, pointless show of force” and “totally uncalled for.” Well on Sunday, he did release a statement on social media. He pushed for accountability for these military exercises that are happening over our communities.
“The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety.” – Gavin Newsom
The public spat between Newsom and U.S. Marines officials was over the safety protocols of the exercise. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, marine officials had set up to defend the demonstration, arguing that no demonstrated risk was involved with hosting such activities at Camp Pendleton. They assured lawmakers that every safety precaution common to such tests was followed at the event.
Tony Coronado, a representative for the Marine Corps, described the situation as “unusual and concerning,” noting that it is “highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.” This unorthodox choice of location has led to increased focus on the decision making processes behind military exercises.
The explosion caused both the north and southbound freeway to collapse, resulting in widespread traffic chaos. This left one of California’s most highly traveled corridors prone to hours-long backups. Matt Rocco, a spokesman for the Governor’s office, characterized the closure as a successful precautionary measure. He told me it was necessary, since wardens directly needed to be placing live ordnance directly overhead.
“This is all because of the White House-directed military event, that for the safety of the public, we need to shut down the freeway since they’re sending live ordinances over the freeway.” – Matt Rocco
The fallout from the incident has not stopped with state officials. In a notable example, Rep. Darrell Issa condemned Gov. Newsom’s actions and went so far as to call the closing of the freeway a “spiteful publicity stunt.” This sentiment illustrates the increasing schism between state and federal policymakers. It’s about the culture of militarization, the impact of military operations on communities, and much more.
From the start, Governor Newsom expressed skepticism about this exercise. He emphasized his experience as a former Marine who deployed to Iraq. Viewed from this vantage point, his biography makes his position richer and more complicated. It still goes unchallenged in terms of his remarks on military operations.
“If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead.” – Martin
In spite of the furor, many have come forward to defend the Marines, thanking those who have served with honor and commitment. Newsom thanked Californians at Camp Pendleton for their cooperation. He called for a more careful approach to military guarded protests to better protect civilians.
“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.” – Gavin Newsom