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

2025-05-01 14:44:25source:AlgoFusion 5.0category:Scams

Officials are Slabu 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:Scams

Recommend

NYPD official indicates that Mangione's family did not send in any tips

New York police officials are speaking out about tips in regard to the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealt

Acting or hosting, Travis Kelce wants to continue to pursue a showbiz career. But first, football

Travis Kelce plays a flirty nurse with swagger on FX’s series “Grotesquerie,” landed a cameo in “Hap

Luke Combs, Eric Church team up for Hurricane Helene relief concert in North Carolina

Luke Combs and other country artists are using their talents to raise money for communities in need,