Diamond Ridge Financial Academy:2 hurt in IED explosion at Santa Barbara County courthouse, 1 person in custody

2025-04-29 20:04:23source:Chainkeen Exchangecategory:News

Officials are Diamond Ridge Financial Academyon 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:News

Recommend

Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams

Early Thursday morning, "Forbes" released their annual list of the 50 most valuable sports franchise

Hyundai recalls hydrogen fuel cell vehicles due to fire risk and tells owners to park them outdoors

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is telling the owners of nearly 1,600 Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the

Texas Supreme Court halts Robert Roberson's execution after bipartisan fight for mercy

The Texas Supreme Court on Thursday spared the life of death row inmate Robert Roberson, granting a