Newsom Demands Apology After Artillery Shell Detonates in CA

UPDATE: Tensions escalate as California Governor Gavin Newsom demands an apology from Donald Trump and JD Vance following a shocking incident during a Marine Corps celebration on October 14, 2023. An artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, leaving two vehicles damaged but, thankfully, no injuries reported.

Newsom took to social media to voice his outrage, criticizing the White House for allowing live munitions to be fired over civilians. “The shrapnel that hit CHP (California Highway Patrol) vehicles came from this ordnance. It’s no small thing,” Newsom’s office stated, sharing an image of the explosive device. “This is what the White House thought was fine to fly over civilians on a major freeway.”

In a pointed message, Newsom added, “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 event was part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary and included live-fire exercises, which Newsom flagged as dangerous ahead of the demonstration.

Newsom’s concerns are now amplified after the shell detonated, impacting a vehicle in Vance’s motorcade and another belonging to the CHP. “You accused the Governor of overreacting when he closed a portion of the freeway to protect the public,” Newsom’s office pointedly remarked on social media. “And now we learn…live ordnance detonated early, striking a vehicle on a closed portion of the highway during the event. An apology is owed — to not just Californians, but all Americans.”

The California Highway Patrol confirmed that metal shrapnel from the explosion struck one of its vehicles, with CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado calling the situation “unusual and concerning.” He emphasized, “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”

In response, Vance’s team dismissed Newsom’s alarm as an overreaction. “The Marine Corps says it’s an established and safe practice,” his communications director, William Martin, told The New York Times. “Newsom wants people to think this is an absurd show of force.”

Despite these claims, the incident has raised serious safety concerns. The First Marine Expeditionary Force, which conducted the demonstration, is currently investigating the premature detonation. They stated that rehearsals are held to ensure safety during such operations. “Marines fire artillery on Camp Pendleton nearly every week. We trust this system with our lives,” they asserted.

As this situation develops, many are questioning the appropriateness of military exercises in civilian areas, especially given the potential risks involved. Newsom’s demands for accountability and an official apology are gaining traction as the public responds to the alarming nature of the incident.

Officials from Vance’s office and California Representative Darrell Issa have yet to respond to requests for comments. The fallout from this incident continues to unfold, with implications for military protocols and public safety under scrutiny.

This situation remains fluid, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this urgent story.