Santa Maria, California— On Wednesday, a man detonated an explosive device in the foyer of a California courtroom, injuring five people and closing the court complex and other city buildings, according to officials.
According to sheriff’s officials, a 20-year-old male was seized following the explosion that occurred just after 8:45 a.m. at the Santa Maria Courthouse. The city of around 110,000 people is located in Santa Barbara County, on California’s central coast.
According to Santa Barbara Undersheriff Craig Bonner, the suspect was arrested for unlawful gun possession and was on his way to court Wednesday morning for his arraignment when the Santa Maria resident entered the courthouse and tossed a bag at the screening station, causing it to explode. Officials stated that it did not appear to be linked to terrorism or political violence.
Authorities apprehended the guy outside the courthouse while he attempted to enter his car. He was discovered wearing body armor below his jacket and was unharmed by the explosion, according to Bonner. He was arrested on felony accusations of attempted murder, using an explosive device, attempting to kill someone, and possessing explosive devices.
“We do believe this is a local matter that has been safely resolved and that there are no outstanding community safety concerns,” Bonner informed the audience.
Bonner stated that three of the five victims sustained burn injuries. Everyone was treated and released from the hospital. None of them were court personnel.
Officials are also looking into whether the suspect is linked to several recent arson cases. He was previously detained in July after deputies uncovered and confiscated a loaded and hidden pistol.
Following the explosion, authorities evacuated a five-block radius that included businesses, homes, and a school. The courthouse will be closed Thursday as police conduct their investigation, and filing extensions will be available to anybody affected by the shutdown.
Shane Mellon told KSBY-TV that while at the courthouse, he heard what sounded like chairs crashing down.
“It was a loud bang,” he explained, adding that the bailiff led him and others out.
Mellon described seeing what appeared to be a smoldering sweater and a man screaming as four or five others piled on top of him, attempting to control him.
“I think this could have been way worse than it was if not for the deputies just jumping on top of that guy,” according to Mellon.
The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said it was monitoring the situation and working with local law enforcement.
The sheriff’s department in neighboring Los Angeles County stated patrols were increased at courthouses.
Santa Maria City Hall, which sits near the courts, was also closed Wednesday due to the ongoing inquiry, according to the city’s spokesperson, Mark van de Kamp. Other neighboring city offices, as well as branch libraries that rely on the main library for support, were also affected, he said.
Santa Maria, located about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, has a courthouse that serves both state and county courts. Michael Jackson was prosecuted and acquitted of sexual molestation at this courthouse two decades ago.