On Wednesday morning in Santa Maria, California, a 20-year-old man threw an explosive device into the courthouse where he was scheduled to appear for a gun charge arraignment. The blast caused minor injuries to five individuals and led to the closure of the court complex and other nearby buildings. The incident took place around 8:45 a.m. in Santa Maria, a town of approximately 110,000 residents located on California’s central coast. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended while trying to access his parked vehicle.
Authorities identified the individual, a Santa Maria resident, as the perpetrator of the attack. Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Craig Bonner mentioned that the suspect was wearing body armor underneath his jacket and has been charged with attempted murder and explosives-related offenses. Investigators are also looking into potential links between the suspect and recent incidents of arson.
Police stated that the motive behind the courthouse assault was likely connected to the suspect’s prior arrest on a firearms possession charge, ruling out terrorism or politically motivated violence. Undersheriff Bonner reassured the public that the situation had been resolved safely and that there were no ongoing threats to community safety.
The suspect had been taken into custody in July for illegal possession of a firearm and was slated for arraignment on the day of the incident. Upon arriving at the courthouse and approaching the screening area, he threw a bag that subsequently detonated, resulting in injuries to three of the five victims, who were treated at a hospital and subsequently released. None of the injured individuals were court staff members.
Following the explosion, authorities evacuated a five-block perimeter encompassing businesses, residences, and a school. As the investigation continues, the courthouse will remain closed on Thursday, and accommodations will be provided to individuals affected by the shutdown. Witnesses described the incident, with Shane Mellon recounting hearing a loud bang and observing individuals subduing the suspect as he screamed.
Santa Maria, situated approximately 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is home to the courthouse where Michael Jackson stood trial and was acquitted of sexual abuse allegations twenty years ago. The incident has raised concerns within the community, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and security measures in public spaces.
