Newsom vs. Vance: Safety Concerns Over Military Artillery Exercise on I-5
A dispute has arisen between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President JD Vance over the safety of a military artillery exercise. Newsom criticized the decision to fire live rounds over a busy stretch of Interstate 5, while Vance's spokesperson dismissed Newsom's concerns as misleading.
The exercise, planned for Saturday, led to the closure of a 17-mile portion of the highway, causing significant delays for commuters. The closure could add up to two extra hours of travel time between San Diego and Los Angeles, affecting the 80,000 daily travelers and $94 million in freight that use the corridor.
Passenger rail services running parallel to the highway were also canceled for the afternoon. Newsom ordered the closure due to safety concerns, but Vance and U.S. Marine officials at Camp Pendleton insisted the exercise was safe and no disruption was needed. The governor had considered closing the freeway earlier in the week but was assured that safety protocols would be followed.
The artillery exercise, part of a military showcase attended by Vice President Vance, has sparked a public safety debate. Newsom's criticism highlights the potential risks of such exercises over major highways, while Vance's camp maintains the event's safety. The incident has drawn attention to the balance between military training and public safety.
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