Man accused of detonating an explosive device in a California courthouse, injuring five people, should be charged with weapons possession there

A 20-year-old man accused of throwing an explosive device into a California courthouse yesterday, injuring five people, was set to face weapons charges, police said.

The incident occurred at around 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the Santa Maria courthouse.

The suspect, identified as Nathaniel McGuire, reportedly threw a backpack containing an explosive device that detonated outside the courtroom.

He then ran away and was arrested as he attempted to get into his vehicle parked nearby.

The Santa Maria man was wearing a body armor under his jacket and was arrested on charges of attempted murder and possession of explosives, according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Deputy Craig Bonner.

In this still from video provided by KEYT, people gather after an explosion yesterday at the Santa Maria Courthouse in Santa Maria, California

Police at the scene of an explosion in Santa Maria. Police say the suspect was about to be charged with weapons possession when the bomb exploded

Officials are also investigating whether the suspect is connected to a series of recent arson attacks.

According to officials, the attack on the courthouse appeared to be related to his previous arrest for weapons possession and not for terrorism or any political violence.

“We believe this is a local matter that was safely resolved and there are no outstanding community safety concerns,” Bonner said.

The suspect was arrested last July for illegal possession of weapons and was due to appear in court on Wednesday. As he entered the courthouse and approached the checkpoint, he threw down a bag, which then exploded.

Bonner said three of the five victims suffered burns. All were treated and released from the hospital. None were court employees.

After the explosion, authorities evacuated businesses, homes and a school within a five-block radius.

People walk past a police cordon after yesterday's explosion

The courthouse will remain closed on Thursday while police complete their investigation. Those affected by the closure will be offered extensions to file applications.

Earlier this morning, a bomb threat was received at another court in California, 280 miles away.

The San Joaquin Superior Court said the courthouse in Stockton was evacuated and closed for the day “out of an abundance of caution.”

Santa Maria is located about 240 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles.

This courthouse, which houses state and district courts, is where Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted of sexual abuse two decades ago.

The singer was accused of abusing boys at his Neverland ranch during a 2005 trial, but was found not guilty on all counts.