Topline
The Santa Barbara County Superior Courthouse in Santa Maria, California, was rocked by an explosion Wednesday that left five people injured and one suspect in custody, according to multiple outlets and local law enforcement, though a motive for the bombing has yet to be determined.
Key Facts
Santa Barbara County Sheriff spokesperson Raquel Zick said in an update the explosion was from “an intentionally set improvised explosive device” and noted an adult male is in custody.
Zick confirmed at least two people suffered from non-life threatening-injuries, though CNN reported five patients have been hospitalized at Marian Regional Medical Center and are in fair to good condition, citing hospital spokesperson Sandy Doucette.
Detectives do not believe there are any other suspects, according to Zick, who said at 12:29 p.m. local time the suspect was still being interviewed.
The courthouse has been closed for the day in addition to other public offices and buildings in Santa Maria, according to the city.
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What We Don’t Know
It remains unclear if the five injured people worked at the courthouse or were just visiting. The suspect’s identity has not been publicized by law enforcement, which noted the current stage of its investigation is “slow moving.” There are also no details about the structural damage created by the improvised explosive device.
Key Background
Santa Maria is the most populous city in Santa Barbara County with a population of about 110,000. The small city is around 155 miles northwest of Los Angeles and experienced a 46% drop in overall crime from April 2022 to 2024, according to its police department.
Further Reading
Five people injured in ‘bomb explosion’ at California courthouse (CNN)
2 hurt in explosion from intentionally set IED at Santa Maria Courthouse in California (ABC)
