Suspect detained after explosion at California courthouse injures 5 people

A man set off an explosive device in the lobby of a California courthouse on Wednesday, sending five people to the hospital with minor injuries and prompting the shutdown of the court complex and other city buildings, officials said, Report informs referring to AP.

A 20-year-old man was detained following the explosion that was reported shortly after 8:45 a.m. at the Santa Maria Courthouse in Santa Maria, sheriff’s officials said. The city of about 110,000 people is in Santa Barbara County, in California’s central coast region.

Santa Barbara Undersheriff Craig Bonner said the suspect had been arrested for illegal gun possession and was headed to court Wednesday morning for his arraignment when the Santa Maria resident entered the courthouse and threw a bag at the screening station, causing the bag to explode. Officials said it did not appear to be related to terrorism or political violence.

Authorities arrested the suspect outside the courthouse while he was trying to enter his car. He was found wearing body armor underneath his jacket, and he was not injured in the blast, Bonner said.

He was booked on felony charges for attempted murder, using an explosive device, attempting to kill someone and possession of 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 said.