No Kings protest in Southern California: Major row over planned live artillery firing; Trump admin says there's no danger

A major tussle broke out between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom's office over the military's plan to fire live artillery shells today in Southern California, coinciding with the No Kings protest today.

The live firing is part of a demonstration at Camp Pendleton to celebrate the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary. California Guv Newsom said he was not aware that the firing would take place today across Interstate 5, which is a heavily traveled corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego. A test run of today's event took place on Friday when artillery rounds from M7777 howitzers were fired from Red Beach over Interstate 5.

The test run did not affect the traffic and the administration said it is an established and safe practice; and it has nothing to do with the No Kings protest.

What is No Kings protest?

A left-led protest that gained attention in June is coming back again today and millions are supposed to take to the streets today protesting against Donald Trump administration. The “‘NO KINGS’ is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon,” a website for the protests, nokings.org, says.

“Born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

”For today's protest, there are several anchor cities: Washington DC; San Francisco; San Diego; Atlanta; New York City; Houston, Texas; Honolulu; Boston; Kansas City, Missouri; Bozeman, Montana; Chicago and New Orleans.

Newsom says it's reckless

Gavin Newsom called the military's decision to go ahead with the live firing despite a mass protest reckless and absurd. “This is a profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm’s way,” Newsom said in a statement to The New York Times.“Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength — it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office the president holds,” Newsom said.

JD Vance's spokesperson says it's routine, safe practise

“Gavin Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous,” William Martin, Vice President JD Vance’s communications director, said in a statement. “The Marine Corps says it’s an established and safe practice. Newsom wants people to think this is an absurd show of force. The Marine Corps says it’s part of routine training at Camp Pendleton.”“If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead,” Martin added.