AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) bashed Vice President JD Vance on Sunday, saying he was “reckless” to move forward with a celebration of the Marine Corps., a day after the vice president’s security motorcade was hit by shrapnel from a “prematurely detonated” shell.

The New York Times reported the 155-millimeter shell was fired during the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. at Camp Pendleton in North San Diego, “dropping fragments” on the California Highway Patrol vehicle and motorcycle that were part of Vance’s security.

“No officers were hurt in the mishap,” The Times reported, with one officer describing the sound “like pebbles hitting his motorcycle and the area around him.” Two other officers said a two-inch piece of shrapnel hit the hood of their car and left a small dent on Saturday.

Newsom, soon after the accident, jumped on X and criticized Vance for holding the celebration, even after he had complained about it earlier this week.

“We love our Marines

and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects,” Newsom posted on X on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the vice president declined to comment to The Times. 

The California Democrat’s criticism on Sunday comes a day after he blasted Vance, saying the celebration was a “profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm’s way.”

He was also irritated a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 was going to be shut down for several hours as troops did artillery exercises at the military base.

The White House told Newsweek it had not requested the freeway be shutdown.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as Marines and Sailors conduct realistic training during today’s historic Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration, showcasing the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team and ensuring we remain ready to defend the Homeland and our Nation’s interests abroad,” the White House said on Saturday.

Vance was already back on the East Coast on Sunday, where he told reporters there will be “fits and starts” to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, but that he ultimately believes a lasting peace will hold.

Tags: Gavin Newsom, JD Vance