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

2025-05-03 00:33:31source:Grayson  Prestoncategory:Finance

Officials are AQCAN Exchangeon 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:Finance

Recommend

Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co

Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe have settled their lawsuit a year after the allegations sent shockwave

Vanderpump Rules Reunion Pt. 2 Has More Scandoval Bombshells & a Delivery for Scheana Shay

The Scandoval bloodbath continues.Vanderpump Rules' shocking season 10 reunion returned for part two

Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks to receive honorary Oscars

Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks are set to receive honorary Oscars at the 2023 Governors Awards, the A