SANTA MARIA, Calif. — A 20-year-old man detonated an explosive device at a California courthouse during his scheduled arraignment for a gun charge, resulting in minor injuries to five individuals and prompting the closure of the court complex and nearby city buildings, police reported.
The explosive incident took place around 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday in Santa Maria, a city with a population of approximately 110,000 located along California’s central coast. Following the explosion, the suspect fled the scene but was apprehended attempting to enter a nearby vehicle.
Authorities identified the man, a Santa Maria resident, as wearing body armor beneath his jacket. He has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and explosives-related offenses. Furthermore, investigators are exploring potential connections between the suspect and a recent series of arsons.
Officials believe that the courthouse attack was linked to the suspect’s prior gun possession arrest rather than being motivated by terrorism or political violence.
“We believe this is a localized incident that has been effectively addressed, and community safety is not at risk,” stated a Santa Barbara County official.
The suspect was previously detained in July for illegal gun possession and was due in court on the day of the incident. Upon entering the courthouse and approaching the security checkpoint, he threw a bag that subsequently exploded.
Of the five injured, three sustained burns and were treated and released from the hospital, with none being court personnel.
In response to the explosion, authorities evacuated a five-block radius, encompassing businesses, residences, and a school. The courthouse will remain closed for investigations on Thursday, and extensions will be granted for affected filings.
Witnesses reported the chaotic scene. One individual recalled hearing a loud bang that resembled falling furniture.
“It was alarming,” he noted, describing how a bailiff quickly ushered evacuees to safety, while also recounting the disturbing sight of a man in distress as bystanders attempted to restrain him.
Authorities confirm that the situation could have escalated significantly without the prompt actions of law enforcement.
Santa Maria is situated about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and the courthouse has historical significance, having once hosted the high-profile trial of Michael Jackson two decades ago.
