Officials are on 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.
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.
2024-12-24 03:44852 view
2024-12-24 03:431542 view
2024-12-24 03:281034 view
2024-12-24 02:19539 view
2024-12-24 01:57531 view
2024-12-24 01:441046 view
NEW YORK (AP) — After ripping higher for much of this year, the price of gold has suddenly become no
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Funeral services will be held Wednesday for the North Dakota sheriff’s deputy
CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago man who spent 35 years behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit was freed