An explosive device has injured two individuals at a courthouse in US’ Santa Maria, California. The incident occurred shortly after 8.45am on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from authorities. A person of interest was detained in connection with the blast, reportedly for intentionally setting the explosive, according to sheriff’s officials.
“We have two reports of non-life-threatening injuries.One person of interest detained immediately. Scene remains active. Please continue to avoid the area,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Public Information Officer Raquel Zick on social media platform X.
Zick later clarified that the detained individual is a man and confirmed that the explosion resulted from “an intentionally set” device, as per the Associated Press.
The Santa Barbara County sheriff’s department has yet to release further details regarding the incident, as inquiries continue.
Meanwhile, the office of California governor Gavin Newsom stated that it was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.
A superior court in Santa Barbara County announced the closure of the courthouse complex for the day, cancelling all courtroom calendars.
Santa Maria, located about 150 miles (240 km) northwest of Los Angeles, has a population of approximately 110,000 residents.