California Courthouse Explosion: What We Know

Authorities arrested a local man after he allegedly walked into the Santa Barbara County Superior Courthouse in Santa Maria, California, and threw a bag past the security station that exploded at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 25.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the threat to the community appears to be over, at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. They are continuing to investigate the explosion that rocked the small town of about 110,000, located 150 miles north of Los Angeles Wednesday morning.

Here’s what we know:

Suspect Arrested

Nathaniel McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, was arrested and booked into county jail, according to Undersheriff Craig Bonner. McGuire allegedly acted alone when officials say he entered the courthouse and threw the explosives toward Department 9, where he was scheduled for a hearing Wednesday. He was arrested by the sheriff’s department on July 28 for alleged firearms violations.

Concealed Weapon Found

Deputies seized a loaded and concealed revolver from the suspect’s pocket that was not registered to the suspect, Bonner said. He was arrested as he tried to get back to his vehicle in the court parking lot. McGuire did not have any physical injuries and was wearing body armor under his jacket when he was arrested.

Charged With Several Felonies

McGuire’s vehicle and his residence will be searched, Bonner said. He is charged with several felonies, including attempted murder, using an explosive device, and possession of explosive devices. Authorities said he could potentially face federal charges. He is being held without bail. “We do believe this to be a local incident committed by a local individual with a local grievance stemming from his arrest,” Bonner said.

Five People Injured

Five people were treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Three received burns, and all were members of the public attending court business, officials reported. Sheriff’s investigators are also working with Santa Barbara County fire officials to see if McGuire is connected to several recent arson fires, Bonner said.

Arrest Captured on Video

Videos shared on social media showed a chaotic scene as sheriff’s deputies dragged a man across the courthouse grass and onto the sidewalk after the explosion. The court’s emergency alarm rang continuously in the background as numerous people watched the arrest. Several rounds of ammunition fell to the concrete as the man, who was screaming expletives, was handcuffed.

‘Individual Grievance’

Officials say this was the first explosion at the courthouse in recent history. “In my 31 years this is the first time we’ve ever had somebody throw an explosive at the courthouse,” Bonner said. “This appears to be concluded as it relates to the community safety concern. This is an individual with an individual grievance.”

A ‘Loud Bang’

A witness described hearing a “loud bang” before the bailiff escorted him and others out of the building. Shane Mellon told KSBY-TV that he saw what looked like a sweater smoldering and a man screaming as sheriff’s deputies jumped on top of him. He said several bullets fell to the ground from the suspect’s pants. “I think this could have been way worse than it was if not for the deputies just jumping on top of that guy,” Mellon said.

All Hearings Cancelled

The courthouse holds state and county court cases in Santa Maria. The court became well-known two decades ago when Michael Jackson was tried there and acquitted of sexual abuse. Court officials closed the courthouse Wednesday and all hearings were canceled after the chief justice declared a holiday to allow the investigation to continue, according to the court Executive Officer Darrel Parker. The court will remain closed Thursday, Parker said.

The city of Santa Maria also closed city hall, which is near the courthouse. The city attorney’s office, public library and its branches, and parks and recreation departments were also closed for the day as law enforcement investigated the explosion.

More Patrols

Patrols were also stepped up at courthouses in neighboring Los Angeles County, the sheriff’s department there said. Gov. Gavin Newsom and surrounding law enforcement departments were monitoring the situation Wednesday, but said it was likely an isolated incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.