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A Marine Corps Live-Fire Event Sparks Chaos on SoCal Freeway: Vice President JD Vance Attends Ceremony
The 5 Freeway, a major artery connecting San Diego and Orange counties, was closed for several hours on Saturday due to a live-fire event at Camp Pendleton. The closure, which began at 11am Pacific Time, raised concerns among commuters who rely heavily on the freeway.
According to California Highway Patrol, the decision to close the freeway was made in light of "extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers." However, this warning came too late for many travelers, as traffic congestion had already begun to build up. The southbound lanes were eventually reopened by noon, but not before causing widespread frustration among commuters.
The live-fire event, attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was part of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebrations. In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office claimed that the federal government informed the state about the planned event, citing "extreme life safety risk" as the reason for the closure.
However, when asked for comment on the closure, Vance's office deflected responsibility to the Marine Corps, stating only that they had not requested the closure of the freeway. The Marine Corps later issued a statement defending the decision, claiming it was necessary to ensure the "readiness to defend the homeland."
The controversy surrounding the event has drawn comparisons to President Trump's administration and its penchant for using military force as a means of intimidation. Gov. Newsom called Saturday's events an "absurd show of force" that prioritizes the president's ego over public safety.
As the debate rages on, many are left to wonder why such a high-profile event was allowed to take place without adequate consideration for public safety. The closure of the 5 Freeway serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences that come with military training exercises in densely populated areas.
The 5 Freeway, a major artery connecting San Diego and Orange counties, was closed for several hours on Saturday due to a live-fire event at Camp Pendleton. The closure, which began at 11am Pacific Time, raised concerns among commuters who rely heavily on the freeway.
According to California Highway Patrol, the decision to close the freeway was made in light of "extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers." However, this warning came too late for many travelers, as traffic congestion had already begun to build up. The southbound lanes were eventually reopened by noon, but not before causing widespread frustration among commuters.
The live-fire event, attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was part of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebrations. In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office claimed that the federal government informed the state about the planned event, citing "extreme life safety risk" as the reason for the closure.
However, when asked for comment on the closure, Vance's office deflected responsibility to the Marine Corps, stating only that they had not requested the closure of the freeway. The Marine Corps later issued a statement defending the decision, claiming it was necessary to ensure the "readiness to defend the homeland."
The controversy surrounding the event has drawn comparisons to President Trump's administration and its penchant for using military force as a means of intimidation. Gov. Newsom called Saturday's events an "absurd show of force" that prioritizes the president's ego over public safety.
As the debate rages on, many are left to wonder why such a high-profile event was allowed to take place without adequate consideration for public safety. The closure of the 5 Freeway serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences that come with military training exercises in densely populated areas.