Governor Newsom Blasts Trump After Shell Detonates in CA

URGENT UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom is demanding accountability after a 155-millimeter artillery shell detonated prematurely during a Marine Corps training exercise over Interstate 5 on October 14, 2023. The incident occurred while celebrating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, raising serious safety concerns.

Newsom took to social media to express his outrage, targeting former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for the incident, which he claims put civilian lives at risk. “The shrapnel that hit CHP vehicles over the weekend from Trump and Vance’s military live-munitions demonstration came from this ordnance. It’s no small thing,” Newsom’s press office stated, sharing a photo of the explosive device.

No injuries were reported, but two vehicles suffered damage from flying shrapnel, including one belonging to Vance’s motorcade. Newsom’s criticism intensified, stating, “Donald Trump and JD Vance put lives at risk to put on a show. If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them.”

The Governor’s alarm was first raised last week when reports indicated that the Marine Corps planned to conduct live missile demonstrations. In response, Vance’s office dismissed Newsom’s concerns, claiming that the exercise was a routine and safe practice. “The Marine Corps says it’s an established and safe practice,” said communications director William Martin to The New York Times.

However, after the shell detonated, Newsom’s office demanded apologies from Vance and Trump. “You accused the Governor of overreacting when he closed a portion of the freeway to protect the public. 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,” the press office asserted.

The California Highway Patrol confirmed that shrapnel from the detonation impacted one of its vehicles, with CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado calling the situation “unusual and concerning.” He emphasized that it is highly uncommon for any live-fire training to occur over an active freeway, noting, “My foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”

The First Marine Expeditionary Force, which hosted the event, is currently investigating the incident, maintaining that all necessary precautions were taken during the exercise. They stated, “Marines fire artillery on Camp Pendleton nearly every week… We trust this system with our lives.”

As the situation unfolds, the offices of Vance and California Rep. Darrell Issa have not yet responded to requests for comment. The public awaits further updates as the investigation continues into this alarming incident that has raised questions about safety protocols in military demonstrations.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story as it becomes available.