NEWS: Sens. Schiff and Padilla Join Rep. Mike Levin and California Members to Demand Answers on Live Artillery Fire Over I-5

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49) and 26 Members of the California Congressional Delegation in sending aletterto Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the live artillery fire over Interstate 5 (I-5) during the amphibious assault demonstration held on October 18, 2025, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Shrapnel from the artillery firehit at least two California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehiclesand has raised questions about the lack of adequate planning for the demonstration and minimal coordination with state and local officials.
The full text of the letter can be foundhereand below:
Dear Secretary Hegseth,
The 250thanniversary of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) is an extraordinary milestone. We are incredibly proud of the two and a half centuries of valor, excellence, and devotion of our Marines.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, an amphibious assault demonstration – which included a variety of aircraft, ships, and amphibious vehicles – was held on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to celebrate this milestone. The demonstration also involved firing artillery from M777 Howitzers at land-based points west of Interstate 5 into impact areas east of the Interstate. Interstate 5 is the primary transportation route that connects Los Angeles and Orange County with San Diego, and it carries approximately 80,000 drivers each day.[1]
Prior to the event, official communications from the USMC stated that “all training events will occur on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols. No public highways or transportation routes will be closed.” Additional communication confirmed that a “detailed risk assessment” was conducted before the training event and demonstration.[2]Our understanding is that the artillery demonstration required a deviation from standard safety rules.
Out of an abundance of caution and to minimize public safety risks, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), closed a section of Interstate 5 during the live fire demonstration. Similarly, rail service connecting passengers between Orange County and San Diego County was disrupted for several hours or canceled entirely by federal authorities.[3],[4]
Despite numerous assurances of safety from the White House and Headquarters Marine Corps, initial reports indicate that shrapnel from artillery hit at least two vehicles during the demonstration.[5]As a result, the remainder of the planned artillery demonstration was canceled.
While we are relieved no one was injured, we are deeply concerned by the decision making that led to this incident. CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado – who is also a Marine – added that “it is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”[6]
We request responses to the following questions by October 29, 2025:
The State of California prides itself on its strong relationship between Marines and neighboring communities. Maintaining public safety has been a central pillar of that relationship, which is built on trust and confidence. Our Marines deserve to be celebrated without compromising these ideals.