Key Southern California Highway Closed for Military Event With VP Vance

The 5 Freeway, a crucial route in Southern California, was shut down for four hours on Saturday due to a military live-fire exercise attended by Vice President JD Vance. This occurred despite assurances from the Marine Corps that the highway would stay open.

The closure stretched from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road, starting at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and was expected to be lifted by 3 p.m.

This stretch of freeway is used by around 80,000 motorists daily, linking San Diego with Orange counties. Although an initial full closure was planned, the southbound lanes reopened by midday.

Around the middle of the day, the Amtrak Surfliner, a favored travel option for Southern California residents heading to coastal destinations, adjusted its service.

Marine Corps Event Celebrates Anniversary

The military event, named the "Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration," took place at Red Beach in celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary. Vice President Vance, who served as a Marine in Iraq, was present at the ceremony. The Marine Corps responded to media inquiries directed at Vance’s office.

Initially, the Marine Corps stated that the event would not affect public transportation routes. Their announcement highlighted the importance of such activities to ensure military preparedness for homeland defense.

Later that day, the Marine Corps clarified that they had not requested the closure of Interstate 5.

In acknowledging the public's patience, the Marine Corps emphasized the realistic nature of their training, demonstrating the collaborative power and readiness of the Navy-Marine team.

According to Governor Gavin Newsom’s statement, the federal authorities informed that live ammunition would be fired over the highway at approximately 1:30 p.m., leading state traffic experts to recommend the freeway's closure due to safety concerns.

Governor Newsom criticized the event, associating it with policies from the Trump administration, and condemned the decision to conduct live-fire exercises over a busy freeway as dangerous and irresponsible.

He further stated that deploying military activities to intimidate opposing views signifies mismanagement rather than strength, creating unnecessary disorder.

Nationwide Protests Coincide with Event

Simultaneously, "No Kings" protests were organized across the U.S., including in Southern California, as a part of an anti-Trump movement involving millions of participants.