California courthouse explosion linked to man who was scheduled to appear in court

A 20-year-old California man named Nathaniel McGuire threw an explosive device into the Santa Maria courthouse where he was to be arraigned on Wednesday, injuring three people. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and everyone who was hurt was treated at and released from a hospital. McGuire was arrested as he tried to get into his car after the explosion. He had a personal grudge that stemmed from a recent arrest for firearms violations on July 28, 2024. His motivation for the attack appeared to be related to this arrest. McGuire was wearing body armor under his clothes when he was arrested. Investigators are searching McGuire’s car and other belongings. He was being booked on charges of attempted murder, using an explosive device in attempting to kill someone, and possession of an explosive device, and is being held without bail. The FBI is involved in the investigation. The courthouse, surrounding homes, and a school were evacuated after the explosion as authorities checked for additional explosives. Santa Maria is a city in Santa Barbara County located about 150 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Undersheriff Craig Bonner stated that there is no further threat to the community from McGuire. McGuire’s motivation appears to be a personal grievance related to his recent arrest. No attorney for McGuire has been listed in online court records for the gun case.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com