(SQAUK) — An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at the Santa Maria Courthouse in California on the morning of September 25, injuring two individuals. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene. The explosion prompted a swift response from local authorities, who have since detained an adult male as a person of interest.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the device was deliberately planted, though the investigation into the exact motive behind the attack is ongoing. As a precaution, the courthouse and surrounding city buildings have been closed, and residents are advised to stay clear of the area until further notice.
Authorities are continuing to assess the scene to ensure public safety. City officials have temporarily shut down Santa Maria City Hall and other nearby facilities, and bomb squads remain on site to investigate the threat further.
