Video shows screaming bomb suspect being dragged outside Santa Maria courthouse
A video posted on social media shows the suspect in a bombing at the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse being dragged outside and taken into custody as he screams obscenities and alarms ring in the background.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office initially said two people were injured after a bomb exploded inside the courthouse. But that number rose to six later in the day, according to Marian Regional Medical Center, where the people were treated.
The suspect has been detained, and various law enforcement agencies were investigating the incident.
In the video posted on X, the handcuffed suspect — who looks to be a white man — is seen being dragged by three men in suits, including one who’s carrying a gun.
The suspect can be heard screaming expletives, as the men pull the suspect along the sidewalk.
“F---ing traitors, all of you,” the suspect can be heard yelling on the video. “Don’t violate the Constitution, motherf---ers. Don’t violate it.”
A Santa Maria police officer can be seen getting out of a police car and approaching the restrained suspect.
“Oh, look at all the ammo,” the witness who is filming says from behind the camera. “He has guns with him.”
The Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as an adult man and said the scene remains active. It planned to hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
A man allegedly threw an explosive device inside a Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria, injuring six people, the same day he was set to be arraigned on firearms violations, authorities said. https://t.co/lKUk3kiMTC pic.twitter.com/5K4Pvjvv54
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) September 26, 2024
Bomb exploded in Santa Maria courthouse Wednesday morning
According to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, the explosion was reported at 8:48 a.m.
The suspect was inside the court building and threw a bag in front of Department 9, which is the arraignment courtroom, Superior Court Executive Officer Darrel Parker told Noozhawk.
Whatever was in the bag, it went off, he said.
6 injured after bomb explodes at Santa Maria courthouse
The Sheriff’s Office asked people to avoid the area since it was not considered safe.
The explosion was “from an intentionally set improvised explosive device,” spokesperson Raquel Zick said.
As of 9 a.m. the suspect was in custody. Zick said the investigation is “slow moving” but that detectives do not think there are any outstanding suspects.
The bomb squad was processing the scene, and the suspect was still being interviewed as of 12:30 p.m., she said.
Marian Regional Medical Center confirmed six patients from the explosion incident were taken to its Santa Maria emergency department on Wednesday.
“Three are in fair condition, and three are in good condition. We are providing them with the highest level of care and support,” spokesperson Joe Bailey said in a statement.
Noozhawk North County Editor Janene Scully reported from the scene.
Bombing at Santa Maria Superior Courthouse
Two people were injured and a male suspect was detained following an incident at the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse.
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