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A piece of metal shrapnel from an “explosive ordnance” that exploded overhead prematurely struck a law enforcement vehicle in California on Saturday during an event attended by the vice president. JD Vance.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the incident in a press release provided to Fox News Digital. It happened near Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base in San Diego County.
The shrapnel was released as CHP officers maintained a traffic closure on I-5, the same day Vance visited Camp Pendleton in honor of the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps.
It is unclear exactly when the incident occurred on Saturday. The CHP said it occurred “during an exceptional U.S. Marine Corps live-fire demonstration on a freeway and when CHP decided to conduct a traffic stop during a live-fire exercise.”
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Metal shrapnel 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 “discontinued firing additional live rounds over the freeway,” according to the agency.
In a statement, CHP Border Patrol Chief Tony Coronado called the incident an “unusual and troubling situation.”
“It's very rare that any live fire or blasting training occurs on an active freeway,” Coronado said.
“As a Marine, I have the utmost respect for our military partners, but my primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of Californians and the officers who protect them.”
Vice President J.D. Vance speaks at the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Celebration at Camp Pendleton, California, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
“CHP has filed an internal incident report recommending additional review following planning, communication and coordination efforts between federal, state and local authorities regarding the event on Saturday, October 18, to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training events near public roadways,” the report said.
In a post on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsome wrote that President Donald Trump and Vance are “risking their lives to put on a show.”
“If you want to honor our soldiers, open up the government and pay them,” Newsom said.
Vice President J.D. Vance boards the second aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on October 19, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Oliver Contreras-Poole/Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Vance's office for comment.
Fox News Digital's Lee Ross contributed to this report.
