During an anniversary celebration for the Marine Corps, a live fire exercise took place near Interstate 5, attended by high-profile government officials including Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The event, held at Camp Pendleton, included a warning for drivers about the military’s use of live weapons, prompting concerns about public safety.
California Governor Gavin Newsom had previously raised concerns about the safety of such exercises, emphasizing the need for improved coordination with local authorities and the public. The warning system put in place for the event was intended to alert drivers about the temporary closure of the highway and potential danger from live-fire drills.
Despite the precautions, the incident highlighted the complexities of hosting large-scale military events near populated areas. Officials are now reviewing procedures to ensure that future events are conducted with greater transparency and safety measures, particularly when involving high-profile guests.