Governor Gavin Newsom Blasts J.D. Vance Over “Reckless” Military Event That Triggered Live Explosion on California Highway

California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t hold back after a shocking incident involving Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent military event where a live explosive accidentally detonated early, scattering shrapnel across a California freeway.

The event, held to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, quickly turned chaotic when an artillery shell exploded prematurely over Interstate 5. Thankfully, no one was injured but according to officials, debris struck a California Highway Patrol car and a motorcycle escort assigned to Vance’s security detail.

Governor Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out what he described as a “reckless and dangerous display” that could have cost lives.

“This is the type of explosive that detonated prematurely,” Newsom wrote, sharing a photo of the artillery shell. “The best Fox News can come up with is ‘CONCERNING.’ This could have killed someone.”

Fox News’ coverage described the incident as merely “concerning,” quoting CHP officials who confirmed that metal shrapnel hit patrol vehicles after the explosion.

In a follow-up post, Newsom continued,

“We love our Marines and owe them our gratitude but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for vanity projects.”

According to The Guardian, the live-fire demonstration took place near Camp Pendleton and involved firing projectiles over one of California’s busiest highways. Critics online noted that the event seemed like a political counter-move to the massive “No Kings” protests that spread nationwide over the weekend rallies opposing what demonstrators view as growing authoritarianism under the Trump administration.

Fortunately, Governor Newsom had already ordered the freeway closed after learning that military officials had not planned to do so a move that likely prevented serious casualties. He later condemned the event as an “absurd show of force” and “totally uncalled for.”

After the explosion, the Marine Corps immediately canceled the rest of the exercise and swept the area for debris. None was found, but the damage to credibility was already done.

Observers online pointed out the clear double standard in how conservative media handled the story. As one viral comment put it, “If a Democratic vice president had approved something like this, Fox News would be calling it the most irresponsible act in American history.”

For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when political theatrics cross into public safety and why even patriotic events need careful oversight.