SANTA MARIA, Calif.—A 20-year-old man threw an explosive device into the California courthouse where he was set to be arraigned on a gun charge, causing an explosion that resulted in five people sustaining minor injuries. The incident led to the closure of the court complex and nearby city buildings, as confirmed by the police.
The explosion occurred on Wednesday morning in Santa Maria, a city with a population of approximately 110,000 in California’s central coast region. Following the explosion, the suspect fled the scene but was apprehended while attempting to enter his parked vehicle nearby.
The man, a Santa Maria resident, was found to be wearing body armor under his jacket, according to Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Craig Bonner. He has been charged with attempted murder and explosives offenses. Additionally, authorities are investigating whether he is connected to a series of recent arson incidents.
Officials stated that the courthouse attack seems to be linked to his prior arrest for illegal gun possession and is not believed to be an act of terrorism or political violence.
“We do believe this is a local matter that has been safely resolved and that there are no outstanding community safety concerns,” Bonner reassured.
The suspect had been arrested in July for possessing an illegal firearm and was scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday. Upon entering the courthouse and approaching the screening station, he tossed a bag that detonated.
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Bonner mentioned that three of the five victims suffered burns. All of them received medical treatment and were subsequently released from the hospital. None of the injured individuals were court personnel.
Following the explosion, authorities evacuated a five-block radius encompassing businesses, residences, and a school. The courthouse will remain closed on Thursday to allow the police to conclude their investigation, with filing extensions being offered to those impacted by the closure.
According to Shane Mellon, who spoke to KSBY-TV, he was present at the courthouse when he heard a noise resembling the sound of chairs tipping over.
“It was a loud bang,” he described, mentioning that the bailiff guided him and others out of the premises.
Mellon recounted seeing what appeared to be a smoldering sweater and a man yelling while several individuals restrained him.
“I believe the situation could have been much worse if not for the deputies quickly intervening,” Mellon reflected.
Santa Maria is situated approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. The courthouse, which contains state and county courtrooms, was where Michael Jackson stood trial and was ultimately acquitted of sexual abuse charges two decades ago.
