AQCAN:2 hurt in IED explosion at Santa Barbara County courthouse, 1 person in custody

2025-05-02 19:50:03source:CapitalVaultcategory:News

Officials are AQCANon scene of a reported explosion involving injuries at a courthouse in Southern California.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Offices reported the blast took place just before 8:50 a.m. local time at the Santa Maria Courthouse.

At least two people suffered non-life threatening injuries in the incident, the sheriff's office, posted on X.

Sheriff's office spokesperson Raquel Zick said officials detained a man and the explosion was from an intentionally set improvised explosive device.

Santa Maria courthouse explosion: 'Avoid the area'

Law enforcement and first responders are asking people to avoid the area while they investigate.

The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

But CalCoastNews.com reported about 8:35 a.m. local time, a man opened the door to a courtroom, screamed "the FDA is poisoning 900,000 people every year" and then tossed an IED inside.

"The device ignited and smoke billowed out from the open door," the outlet reported. "People were running and screaming."

Attorney Bill Ausman, who the outlet reported was in the courthouse, said law enforcement apprehended the man and took him away.

This developing story will be updated with new information throughout the afternoon.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

More:News

Recommend

Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trumpwas on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion banearlier this y

Connecticut police officer under criminal investigation for using stun gun on suspect 3 times

A Connecticut police officer shocked a shoplifting suspect three times with a stun gun, including wh

Savings accounts now pay serious interest, but most of us aren't claiming it, survey finds

For the first time in years, banks are offering savings accounts that pay serious interest. But cons