Rare live-fire mishap over Camp Pendleton rains shrapnel on I-5 during Marine celebration

A Marine Corps investigation found a rare one-in-a-million malfunction during a October live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton caused an M795 round to detonate prematurely at about 1,480 feet, sending shrapnel onto Interstate 5 and striking a CHP patrol car and motorcycle; no injuries were reported. The 666-page report says the incident was not due to negligence and cites possible factors like close firing positions and anomalous electromagnetic energy. The event drew political criticism and questions about safety and purpose in a demonstration tied to the Marine Corps’ anniversary.