I-5 may be closed due to concerns about a live fire military incident at Camp Pendleton

Sacramento – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office is considering whether to close parts of Interstate 5 starting Friday amid concerns that it’s a White House-directed plan to use live weapons at a military anniversary celebration off the coast of Camp Pendleton in San Diego County — where gunfire is expected from a freeway at a Navy base.

Newsom’s office has received, but not confirmed, reports that live ammunition will be fired from Navy ships during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration. The session is titled “Sea to Shore – A Review of the Amphibious Force” and will be presented by Vice President JD Vance.

Newsom’s office said it had received little information about the incident or safety plans. The military show of force coincides with NoKang rallies and demonstrations across the state on Saturday that are expected to draw large crowds, protests challenging Trump and what critics say is government interference.

“Donald Trump and JD Vance think closing I-5 to fire missiles from ships is how you show respect for the military,” Newsom posted on the social media site on Wednesday.

A military media adviser said the celebration would include a live amphibious assault demonstration. The Times could not confirm whether live weapons would be fired along the route. The White House and the Navy did not respond to questions from The Times.

“California has always respected our Navy — but this is not the right way to go about it,” a Newsom spokesman said. “The White House should focus on paying for their military, lowering food prices and honoring these troops for their service instead of making a show of force. The lack of coordination and communication by the federal government in this event — and the overall impact on our society and economy — is a reflection of the massive mess that is the Trump administration.”

Freeway closures are planned for the portion of I-5 between Orange County and San Diego County from Friday through Saturday, which will cut off a major traffic artery that carries upwards of 80,000 travelers a day. A short-notice closure will likely cause major disruption from Dana Point in the north to the Del Mar crossing in the south.

Vance, the first Marine veteran to serve as vice president, is expected to attend the event Saturday along with 15,000 Marines, sailors, veterans and their families, according to a media release from the event. Along with Vance, Defense Secretary Pat Hegseth is expected to make remarks.

Camp Pendleton advised nearby residents that there will be a high explosives fire drill through Sunday, which will result in the closure of some roads on the base.

The Trump administration had already planned a big celebration next month for the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps, which would include an air and sea show — with the Blue Angels and parading warships — according to the San Diego Union, according to President Trump. Plans to host that show in San Diego have been scrapped, the paper reports.

Camp Pendleton is a 125,000-acre base in northwest San Diego County that has been crucial in preparing troops for amphibious missions since World War II thanks to its miles of sea and coastal hills. The US Department of Defense is considering making part of the base available for development or leasing.