I-5 could be closed amid fears of live-fire military incident at Camp Pendleton
sacramento — Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office is considering whether to close a portion of Interstate 5 starting Friday amid concerns about a White House-directed plan to use live ammunition at a military anniversary celebration off the coast of Camp Pendleton in San Diego County — where Navy ships are expected to fire on the base through the highway.
Newsom’s office has received but not confirmed reports that live ammunition will be fired from offshore vessels during events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps. The theme of the event is “From Sea to Shore – A Review of Amphibious Power” and will be attended by Vice President JD Vance.
Newsom’s office said it had received little information about the incident or security plans. The show of military force coincides with “No King” rallies and marches across the state on Saturday that are expected to draw large crowds and challenge Trump’s demonstrations and what critics say is government overreach.
Newsom posted on the social media site
A military media announcement said the celebrations will include a live amphibious assault demonstration. The New York Times could not confirm whether live ammunition would be fired on the highway. The White House and Marine Corps did not respond to questions from The Times.
“California has always respected our Marines, but this is not the right thing to do,” a Newsom spokesman said. “The White House should be focusing on paying for our troops, lowering grocery prices and recognizing the service of these soldiers rather than a grandiose show of power. The lack of coordination and communication from the federal government on this incident — and the overall impact on our society and economy — is a clear indication of the larger chaos of the Trump administration.”
Interstate 5 between Orange and San Diego counties is being considered for closure Friday through Saturday, cutting off a major transportation artery that carries 80,000 travelers a day. Closures without advance notice could cause massive traffic jams from Dana Point in the north to Del Mar in the south.
Vance, the first Marine Corps veteran to serve as vice president, is expected to join 15,000 Marines, sailors, veterans and their families at Saturday’s event, according to an event media release. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to speak alongside Vance.
Camp Pendleton informed nearby residents that live-fire training with high-explosive munitions will be conducted through Sunday, which will result in the closure of some roads on the base.
The Trump administration had previously planned to hold a major celebration next month to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Navy and Marine Corps, including an air and sea show — featuring the Blue Angels and a parade of warships — that President Trump would attend, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Plans to stage the show in San Diego have been scrapped, the newspaper reported.
Camp Pendleton is a 125,000-acre base in northwest San Diego County that has been critical in preparing soldiers for amphibious missions since World War II due to its miles of beaches and coastal hills. The U.S. Department of Defense is considering using part of the base for development or leasing.
