Marine Corps live-fire training causes shrapnel incident at Camp Pendleton

Metal shrapnel from an “explosive ordnance” that prematurely detonated above us struck a law enforcement vehicle in California on Saturday, during an event attended by Vice President JD Vance.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the incident in a press release shared with Fox News Digital. It took place near Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base in San Diego County.

The shrapnel was fired as CHP officers supported a traffic stop along I-5, the same day Vance was visiting Camp Pendleton to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

It is unclear when exactly the incident occurred on Saturday. The CHP said this occurred “during an exceptional United States Marine Corps live-fire training demonstration over the interstate, and where the CHP elected to stop traffic during the live-fire exercise.”

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Metal shards from Marine Corps live-fire training struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle Saturday. (California Highway Patrol)

No injuries were reported. CHP officers alerted the Marine Corps, which then “canceled additional live ammunition shots on the highway,” according to the agency.

In a statement, CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado called the incident “an unusual and concerning situation.”

“It is very rare for a training activity with live fire or explosives to take place on an active highway,” Coronado said.

“As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”

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Vice President JD Vance speaks during the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

“The CHP filed an internal report on the incident, with a recommendation to conduct an additional after-action review on planning, communication and coordination between federal, state and local governments surrounding the event on Saturday, October 18, to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training events near public roadways,” the statement concluded.

Camp Pendleton officials confirmed to Fox News Digital that they are also investigating after a 155mm artillery round may have exploded outside the designated impact zone.

“We are aware of the report of a possible airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery round outside of the designated impact zone during the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton, California, on October 18,” the I Marine Expeditionary Force Communications Strategy and Operations Team told Fox News Digital. “The protest underwent a rigorous security assessment and deliberate redundancies to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. In accordance with established security protocols, shooting was suspended. No injuries were reported and the protest concluded as planned.

“An investigation has been opened. We are committed to determining the root cause of the incident and applying the findings to future missions,” the statement continued. “An investigation has been launched. We are committed to determining the root cause of the incident and applying the findings to future missions.”

In an article on X, California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote that President Donald Trump and Vance were “putting lives at risk to put on a show.”

“If you want to honor our troops, open up the government and pay them,” Newsom said.

Vice President JD Vance boards Air Force Two at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar October 19, 2025, in San Diego, California. (Oliver Contreras-Pool/Getty Images)

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Vance’s office for comment.

Lee Ross of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.