Man Detained After Courthouse Explosion in Santa Maria; Weapons Cache Found in Vehicle

September 25, 2024
Man Detained After Courthouse Explosion in Santa Maria; Weapons Cache Found in Vehicle
  • A man has been detained following an explosion at the Santa Maria courthouse in California, where he threw an explosive device during his arraignment.

  • The suspect, 20-year-old Nathaniel McGuire, injured three individuals in the blast, which occurred around 8:48 a.m.

  • Local law enforcement, including Santa Maria Police and Santa Barbara Sheriff's deputies, responded swiftly to the scene.

  • While three individuals sustained burns and were treated at a hospital, none of the injured were courthouse employees.

  • McGuire attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended outside the courthouse, wearing body armor.

  • A search of McGuire's vehicle revealed multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a rifle, ammunition, a suspected bomb, and ten Molotov cocktails.

  • The FBI is assisting in the investigation, which indicates that McGuire may have acted out of a personal grudge linked to a recent firearms arrest.

  • Authorities believe the courthouse attack is related to McGuire's previous arrest for firearms violations and is not considered a terrorism act.

  • McGuire faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and possession of explosive devices, and is currently being held without bail.

  • Officials have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community, emphasizing that McGuire's actions stemmed from personal grievances.

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom's office is monitoring the situation, coordinating with local law enforcement as investigations continue.

  • Nearby buildings, including a school, were evacuated as bomb squad officials searched for additional explosives in the area.

Summary based on 14 sources


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