A motorcycle that is part of Vice President JD Vance's security detail and a California Highway Patrol car were hit with shrapnel on Saturday after a 155-millimeter shell exploded over Interstate 5 during a live-fire demonstration for the Marines' 250th anniversary on Saturday, according to a new report.
Officials told The New York Times that the explosion was a "mishap" and that no officers were injured. California Gov. Gavin Newsom had ordered the freeway to be closed ahead of the celebration after reports emerged that the Trump administration was planning to fire live ordnance at the event.
"According to the patrol report, one officer described what sounded like pebbles hitting his motorcycle and the area around him, and two others saw a two-inch piece of shrapnel hit the hood of their patrol vehicle, leaving a small dent," the NYT report reads in part. "The report says shrapnel was also found on the road near the motorcycle."
Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were in attendance for the anniversary celebration, according to the report. About 60 shells were scheduled to be fired during the event.
A Marine spokesperson said there had been a "lengthy back and forth between officials" about the firing, but declined to elaborate.
