Governor Acts After Learning of Military Exercise
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a temporary shutdown of part of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton following news of a planned Marines live-fire event. The demonstration, marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, was expected to feature artillery fire and amphibious maneuvers near the heavily traveled highway. Newsom said the proximity of live ammunition to public roadways created an unacceptable safety risk, describing the event as “irresponsible and poorly planned.”
State Officials Criticize Federal Handling
According to Newsom’s office, state agencies received little notice before the event was announced. The governor said the lack of communication from federal authorities forced California to take emergency action to protect motorists. “Celebrating our armed forces should never come at the cost of public safety,” Newsom said in a statement, adding that coordination with state transportation and emergency departments was insufficient.
Pentagon Maintains the Operation Was Controlled
Military officials disputed the governor’s claims, insisting that the live-fire exercises were fully contained within designated training areas at Camp Pendleton. The Department of Defense said strict safety measures were in place and that no threat was posed to nearby traffic. The I-5 closure caused brief congestion between San Diego and Orange County but was lifted once the drills concluded without any incidents reported.
