Santa Maria courthouse closed after bombing, scheduled to reopen Monday

The Santa Maria courthouse will remain closed until Monday following a bombing on Wednesday. Authorities allege that 20-year-old Nathaniel McGuire threw an improvised explosive device into the building's main corridor, causing an explosion that led to the immediate evacuation and closure of the courthouse.

Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Craig Bonner said, "We believe this to be a local incident committed by a local individual, with a local grievance stemming from his arrest."

Bonner added that the department currently views the incident as an isolated event with no ongoing community safety concerns.

The attack occurred shortly before 9 a.m. when McGuire allegedly tossed a backpack containing the device past the security checkpoint. The bag detonated near Department 9, resulting in five injuries. Three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including burns. All injured parties have since been treated and released from hospital.

McGuire, who was wearing body armor, was quickly apprehended in the parking lot. Sheriff's officials have linked his actions to an arrest in July for possessing an unregistered, concealed revolver. The FBI was on scene Wednesday investigating the bombing.

McGuire was scheduled for arraignment on this earlier charge in Department 9 in front of Judge John F. McGregor on the day of the attack. People v. Nathaniel J. McGuire, 24CR07224, (S.B. Super. Ct., filed Sept. 17, 2024)

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office has not filed formal charges in the case, according to Assistant District Attorney Kelly A. Duncan. In an email, Duncan stated that they are awaiting the investigative reports before proceeding. McGuire was booked into the Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria on suspicion of attempted murder, manufacturing an explosive device, and use of an explosive device for attempted murder. Records show he is being held without bail.

Filing and rescheduling extensions will be offered for those affected by the shutdown.