Several people were injured and a courthouse in Santa Maria, California, was closed following “a bomb explosion” on Wednesday morning, officials say. The incident occurred at the Santa Maria Courthouse, the same building where pop star Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted nearly two decades ago. The courthouse is located in Santa Barbara County, about 150 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Authorities say a suspect has been detained and is being interviewed, and the scene continues to be active after the explosion “from an intentionally set improvised explosive device,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff spokesperson Raquel Zick in a social media post.
According to a spokesperson for Marian Regional Medical Center, five patients are being treated at the hospital. “Of these, three are in fair condition, while two are in good condition. We are providing them with the highest level of care and support,” Sandy Doucette told CNN.
Additional details about the incident were not immediately available and a motive has not been determined.
Roads surrounding the courthouse are closed and the public is being urged to avoid the area, Zick said. In addition to the Santa Barbara County Superior Courthouse in Santa Maria, Santa Maria City Hall, the public library and other city offices in the area closed for the rest of the day, as police investigate “a bomb explosion,” city spokesperson Mark van de Kamp said.
Suspect in Custody, Scene Remains Active
One person of interest was detained and is being interviewed by law enforcement officials. “Subject who is detained is an adult male. Explosion was from an intentionally set improvised explosive device,” Zick said on social media. The scene remains active and police have urged the public to stay away from the area.
“We have two reports of non-life-threatening injuries. One person of interest detained immediately. Scene remains active. Please continue to avoid the area,” Zick wrote. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s bomb team is on the scene processing evidence. Law enforcement officers are maintaining a five-block perimeter of road closures until the area is deemed safe. The suspect’s car is parked near the courthouse, and the vehicle is part of the ongoing investigation.
Courthouse Security and Michael Jackson Trial
The Santa Maria Courthouse has been a focal point for security measures in recent years. People entering the court complex in Santa Maria plus the facilities in Santa Barbara and Lompoc go through security screening including walking through metal detectors and having bags put through X-ray machines. The court building attracted international attention nearly two decades ago when it housed the Michael Jackson criminal trial in 2005. Jackson, who died in 2009, was accused of sexually abusing a little boy at his Neverland Ranch home. He was acquitted on all charges at the 2005 trial held in Santa Maria.
More recently, the same court building with four courtrooms and other offices also was the site of a multiple defendant trial that ended with jurors convicting the men of killing 10 people in connection with the MS-13 criminal gang.
Heightened Alert and Precautions
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which provides courthouse security throughout L.A. County, said in a social media post that they are on “heightened alert and providing extra patrols in and around our courts” but are not aware of any credible threats. The Governor’s Office and California Office of Emergency Services “are actively monitoring the explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse and coordinating with law enforcement authorities,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Response from City Officials
As a precaution, the city of Santa Maria decided to close City Hall, the Finance Department, City Attorney’s Office, Santa Maria Public Library, and Recreation and Parks Department for the day Wednesday, spokesman Mark van de Kamp said.
The Santa Maria Courthouse is closed for the day and all calendars have been canceled. Court officials are asking the public to contact the clerk’s office to reschedule their matters. The courthouse is expected to reopen on Thursday.
Seeking Answers in the Aftermath
Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the explosion and what led to the suspect’s actions. As they piece together the details, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for strong security measures in public spaces. While the full scope of the impact remains to be seen, the explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, prompting calls for answers and raising concerns about safety and security in the aftermath of the event. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more information as it becomes available.
