California Governor Gavin Newsom has raised serious concerns regarding a planned military exercise that involves firing live artillery shells over a major highway in Southern California. The exercise, which is set to take place at Camp Pendleton, coincides with the upcoming “No Kings” protests. Newsom criticizes the event as a “profoundly absurd show of force” and claims it poses significant safety risks to Californians.
In a statement issued on March 14, 2024, Newsom expressed his alarm over the decision to fire live rounds over Interstate 5 (I-5), a key transportation route between San Diego and Los Angeles. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous,” he stated, emphasizing that the exercise could endanger public safety. As a precaution, he announced the closure of a 17-mile (27 kilometers) stretch of the highway to protect motorists.
Vice President JD Vance and officials from the U.S. Marine Corps have countered Newsom’s claims, asserting that the artillery exercise poses no safety threat. They insist that the event will be conducted in accordance with established safety protocols and will not disrupt traffic on I-5. In a statement to The New York Times, William Martin, a spokesperson for Vance, accused Newsom of misleading the public, stating, “If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead.”
The military’s perspective on the exercise highlights its routine nature, with Marine officials noting that such training events are conducted multiple times a year without incident. Despite this, the governor’s office remains firm in its stance, with Newsom suggesting that the administration is prioritizing political theatrics over public safety. “The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” he said.
As the situation continues to unfold, reactions from the public and military community reflect a mix of support and criticism for both sides. Many have pointed out that live-fire exercises at Camp Pendleton have been a longstanding practice, often conducted without incident. Some social media users have criticized Newsom’s closure of the freeway as unnecessary grandstanding, arguing that the training is essential for national defense.
The discussion around this military exercise highlights broader tensions between state and federal authorities, particularly as Newsom is positioning himself as a potential contender in the upcoming presidential election against Donald Trump in 2028. As criticisms mount, the governor must navigate this politically charged environment while addressing safety concerns for his constituents.
With the military insisting on the safety of the training exercise, the question remains whether the state’s response will change in light of ongoing discussions. The upcoming days will likely provide further insight into how both the state and federal administrations will handle this situation amid heightened public scrutiny.
