Shrapnel from the artillery misfire rests atop a CHP vehicle. (Photo courtesy of CHP Border Division)

Lawmakers are demanding answers after a U.S. Marine Corps event at Camp Pendleton left at least two vehicles damaged by shrapnel.

A group of California Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Levin and Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, have sent a letter to the Department of Defense demanding answers about Saturday’s live-artillery demonstration over Interstate 5.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had the California Highway Patrol close down a 17-mile stretch of the I-5 freeway ahead of the event, calling the plans “reckless” and a “profoundly absurd show of force.”

During the demonstration, traffic was jammed throughout the region, rail service was disrupted, and one shell burst in the air and rained shrapnel down on the freeway, striking at least two vehicles, including a CHP cruiser and a motorcycle.

“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,” the letter said. “As a result, the remainder of the planned artillery demonstration was canceled.”

The U.S. Marines are now also investigating the incident.

CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado said in a statement that the situation was “unusual and concerning.”

“It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway,” he added. “As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”

The letter sent Wednesday mentions costs and funding sources for the event, its safety protocols, and who will pay for the damages incurred during the massive event.

“Has any other damage – including damage to property or infrastructure – been reported, beyond damage to the two CHP vehicles?” the letter goes on to ask.

“Maintaining public safety has been a central pillar of that relationship, which is built on trust and confidence,” the letter concludes. “Our Marines deserve to be celebrated without compromising these ideals.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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