Marines to Fire Artillery Over California Freeway—Gov. Newsom Calls It ‘Profoundly Absurd’

Artillery Shells to Fly Over I-5 for Marine Corps Celebration
Newsom Slams ‘Dangerous’ Display Amid Public Safety Concerns
Marines Insist Exercise Is Safe and Routine
A Rally, a Protest, and Live Fire: A Volatile Saturday in SoCal
What Drivers and Residents Should Expect
Sources

Artillery Shells to Fly Over I-5 for Marine Corps Celebration

In a move that has stunned Southern Californians and ignited a political firestorm, the U.S. Marines plan to fire live artillery over Interstate 5 on Saturday as part of a demonstration marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton.

On Friday evening, M777 howitzers already test-fired rounds from Red Beach—located just west of I-5—sending 90-pound shells soaring over one of the nation’s busiest freeways. The highway remained open during the rehearsal, and officials confirmed it will stay open during Saturday’s main event, despite growing public concern.

Newsom Slams ‘Dangerous’ Display Amid Public Safety Concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the plan late Friday, calling it a “profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm’s way.”

“Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength—it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office the president holds,” Newsom said in a statement, referencing President Trump and the timing of the event.

The governor expressed frustration over the lack of coordination, saying his office had initially been told the celebration would not involve live fire over public infrastructure. “We were under the understanding they were going to close I-5,” he told reporters Thursday. “Then they seemed to back off on that.”

Marines Insist Exercise Is Safe and Routine

Military officials strongly defended the operation. Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force called the artillery firing an “established and safe practice” conducted within strict safety protocols.

“M777 artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based firing points west of I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate without the need to close the route,” he said.

William Martin, communications director for Vice President JD Vance—who will attend the event—dismissed Newsom’s concerns: “The Marine Corps says it’s part of routine training… 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.”

A Rally, a Protest, and Live Fire: A Volatile Saturday in SoCal

Saturday’s artillery demonstration coincides with nationwide “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration, including major rallies in Southern California. The convergence of military spectacle, political protest, and live munitions has heightened tensions in the region.

Amtrak has canceled Pacific Surfliner service near Camp Pendleton from noon to 3 p.m. Pacific time. The FAA has also issued temporary flight restrictions over the area during the vice president’s visit.

What Drivers and Residents Should Expect

While officials say there is no danger to motorists, travelers on I-5 between Oceanside and San Clemente should anticipate:

Loud booms resembling thunder or explosions
Electronic highway signs warning of “live fire training”
Possible temporary slowdowns due to rubbernecking
Increased military and law enforcement presence

It remains unclear whether Saturday’s shells will be high-explosive or inert practice rounds—a detail the Marines have not disclosed.

For many residents, the bigger question isn’t just safety—it’s symbolism. “Firing artillery over a freeway on the same day as anti-authoritarian protests?” asked San Diego teacher Maria Lopez. “It feels less like a celebration and more like a message.”