Daijiworld Media Network – California

California, Oct 19: Southern California’s main highway, Interstate 5, was shut down for nearly four hours on October 18 for a large-scale U.S. Marine Corps demonstration at Camp Pendleton, triggering massive traffic jams and a heated exchange between California Governor Gavin Newsom and federal officials.

The closure, stretching from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road—a 15-mile stretch—was implemented from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., affecting tens of thousands of commuters. The event, held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who observed the largest Marine exercise in a decade.

The demonstration featured F-18 and F-35 flyovers, parachute landings, simulated explosions, Navy SEAL operations, and amphibious ship maneuvers, offering a vivid display of military capability. However, the exercise quickly turned controversial after state authorities claimed that live rounds were fired near the busy highway.

Governor Newsom sharply criticized the decision to close the freeway, calling it an “absurd show of force.”

“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong—it’s dangerous,” Newsom said in a statement. He accused federal officials of “using the military to intimidate,” describing the act as “reckless and beneath the dignity of the office.”

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) termed the closure an “unscheduled shutdown,” warning drivers of delays across Southern California’s key routes and rail disruptions along the San Diego–Los Angeles corridor.

A Marine Corps spokesperson, however, denied requesting the closure, stating, “The Navy-Marine Corps team coordinated closely with state agencies to ensure the demonstration could proceed safely.” Officials clarified that artillery fire was part of a pre-planned exercise involving M777 howitzer cannons, safely conducted within designated ranges.

The event drew sharp political reactions. Rep. Mike Levin, whose district includes Camp Pendleton, said, “Public safety and the Marine Corps’ reputation are far more important than political agendas.” Meanwhile, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond criticized the lack of coordination, calling it a case of “no accountability, no planning—just finger-pointing while people sit in traffic.”

By 3 p.m., Interstate 5 was reopened, but not before sparking widespread debate over military transparency, public safety, and federal-state coordination in major civilian areas.