Explosion Injures Two at Santa Maria Courthouse

An explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse in Southern California injured two people and led to the detention of a suspect who allegedly threw a bag containing an improvised explosive device into an arraignment courtroom. The incident occurred just before 8:50 a.m. local time, prompting law enforcement to cordon off the area and urge the public to stay away as the scene was not deemed safe. The injuries sustained by the victims are reported to be non-life-threatening, and the courthouse activities were temporarily suspended due to the emergency response. Local and state authorities are actively monitoring the situation, with California's Office of Emergency Services coordinating with local law enforcement. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect's motives and any potential threats. The courthouse explosion has raised safety concerns in the region, leading to additional lockdowns of nearby public facilities as a precautionary measure.