The reverberations from the bomb tossed into the Santa Maria Court Complex building last week will lead to a new security measure for those attending City Council meetings nearby.

Starting Tuesday night, bags, backpacks and other personal belongings taken into City Hall’s Council Chambers will be subject to an administrative search. 

“We’re aware some people’s sense of security may have been affected by the events that transpired just one block over last week,” said Mark van de Kamp, the city’s public information manager. “This is another way of enhancing security so people feel comfortable coming to the council meetings.”

Last week, a man entered the Santa Maria Court Complex and tossed a bag containing an improvised explosive device into the lobby of courtrooms handling criminal cases. At least five people were injured, treated at a local hospital and released.

Suspect Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Barbara, who was scheduled to be arraigned on a weapons-related charge that morning, was taken into custody after fleeing to his vehicle in the parking lot.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers found a cache of weapons and additional explosive devices inside his vehicle and later at his residence.

Federal prosecutors filed a charge of malicious damage to a building by means of an explosive against McGuire, who had his first court appearance Friday in Los Angeles for a bond hearing. U.S. Magistrate Judge A. Joel Richlin ordered the defendant remain detained without bail.

His arraignment hearing is scheduled for Oct.  18 in Los Angeles.

While McGuire has been transferred into federal custody for that case, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office still could choose to file charges in Superior Court, representatives said.

McGuire reportedly told law enforcement officers that he intended to kill deputies and a judge.

“After throwing the bag, McGuire intended to go back to his car, a red Ford Mustang, to get a shotgun, a lever action rifle and Molotov cocktails. McGuire then intended to re-enter courthouse to kill a judge,” the federal complaint said.

Authorities also found a suspected improvised explosive device in his vehicle, U.S. Department of Justice officials said. The on-scene bomb technician identified it as “a can containing a black powder with nails glued to the outside. The device was wrapped in duct tape.”

Court Reopens After Bombing

After being closed for the investigation, cleanup and then a scheduled state holiday, the Santa Maria court buildings reopened Monday morning.

“Everyone’s on heightened alert,” Courts Executive Officer Darrel Parker said.

In recent years, beefed up security has led to just one public entrance to access most of the court complex, including all courtrooms and many offices, with defendants, attorneys and visitors walking through a metal detector and having bags scanned.

That security had been implemented in phases for the complex made up of buildings constructed at different times and when there were fewer security concerns. 

After the Sept. 25 explosion, Undersheriff Craig Bonner said “the system did work” since the suspect didn’t make it past the security checkpoint and was nabbed by law enforcement within minutes.

In addition to sheriff’s deputies serving as bailiffs in courtrooms, courts have contracted with a private security company to handle entrance screening for possible weapons.

Typically, one bailiff remains in the lobby nearby, serving as a floater to help out courtroom colleagues as needed.

Wednesday’s incident proved that the deputy in the lobby plays an instrumental role as officials assess whether that slot needs to remain staffed at all times.

Local and state court officials, emergency personnel and law enforcement officers plan to review the handling of the emergency and recommend any potential changes that might be needed for the future. 

“I feel compelled to make sure we look at everything we did and see what we might be able to do different,” Parker said Monday.

Santa Maria City Hall Increases Security

The incident has led to changes a block away. Santa Maria city officials announced new procedures for people attending meetings with city police officers and city rangers set to search personal items.

“We’re enhancing security starting with this meeting and it may evolve for future meetings,” van de Kamp said. 

For many years, Santa Maria has had a uniformed police officer at council meetings as a precaution. Typically, the police chief or another top-ranking commander also attends.

“We want the public to feel safe when they come to the meetings,” van de Kamp added.

For now, the added security will apply to those who attend City Council meetings, but could be expanded to include others, such as the Planning Commission and the Recreation and Parks Commission.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. with a closed session, following by a public session at 5:30 p.m. The agenda can be found by clicking here. 

“Mayor Alice Patino encourages residents to attend City Council meetings to actively participate in their local government, by providing a safe environment,” van de Kamp said.