Two people were injured after a man detonated an explosive device at a California courthouse.
The incident took place at the Santa Maria Superior Court complex on Wednesday morning.
The suspect reportedly threw a backpack containing something that later exploded in front of Department 9, the courtroom for the investigation.
“We have two reports of non-life-threatening injuries,” spokeswoman Raquel Zick said in a post on X.
He added that the The explosion was caused by an “intentionally placed improvised explosive device.”
Two people were injured after a man detonated an explosive device at a California courthouse
A man was immediately detained on the spot and was arrested at 9am.
There is still a large presence of emergency services in the area, which has been cordoned off. Police are urging people to stay away.
“Please avoid the area. The scene is not considered safe. More information will be available soon,” Zick added.
Superior Court Executive Director Darrel Parker told Noozhawk that the court is currently trying to figure out how to handle the day’s court appointments.
A Santa Maria spokesperson told KSBY that City Hall, the finance department, the public library and the recreation and parks department were closed and will remain closed for the rest of the day.
The incident took place at the Santa Maria Superior Court complex on Wednesday morning.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said it is “actively monitoring the explosion” and coordinating with law enforcement.
The court is located about 150 miles from Los Angeles and is where Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted of child abuse charges nearly 20 years ago.
The singer was accused of abusing boys at his Neverland Ranch in a 2005 trial, but was found not guilty of all charges.
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