Story perspectives

Artillery Malfunction at Camp Pendleton Sparks Outrage and Protests

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

A malfunction during a Camp Pendleton live-fire demonstration last October caused an artillery shell to explode over Interstate 5 and strike two California Highway Patrol vehicles.
Vice President JD Vance attended Marine Corps anniversary event.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the demonstration as dangerous and unnecessary, protests occurred nearby against President Donald Trump, and a Marine Corps report found no negligence while noting factors like howitzer proximity and electromagnetic interference.

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Story summary

A malfunction during a Camp Pendleton live-fire demonstration last October caused an artillery shell to explode over Interstate 5 and strike two California Highway Patrol vehicles.
Vice President JD Vance attended Marine Corps anniversary event.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the demonstration as dangerous and unnecessary, protests occurred nearby against President Donald Trump, and a Marine Corps report found no negligence while noting factors like howitzer proximity and electromagnetic interference.