A car bomb detonated outside the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, killing the suspected bomber and injuring four people, in what the FBI has labeled an "intentional act of terrorism." The explosion, which occurred just before 11 a.m. in the clinic's parking lot, caused significant structural damage and was felt more than a mile away.
The individual believed to have carried out the attack has been identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, a resident of Twentynine Palms, according to law enforcement sources cited by CBS News. Bartkus was reportedly killed in the blast. Officials say he left behind writings and recordings expressing opposition to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to "bringing people into the world against their will."
"This was an intentional act of terrorism," said Akil Davis, head of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, during a press briefing. "As our investigation will unfold, we will determine if it's international terrorism or domestic terrorism."
Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte confirmed that the explosion originated from a car either in or near the facility's parking lot. The device used was believed to be a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), law enforcement officials said. Palm Springs police chief Andy Mills noted the blast caused significant damage to multiple buildings in the vicinity.
Witness accounts paint a chaotic scene. "It was that big of an explosion and I could hear windows shattering all around me," said Michael Beaumier, who was knocked off his bicycle by the blast. Rhino Williams, who owns a nearby restaurant, saw an iPhone mounted on a tripod still standing in the parking lot, apparently set to record or livestream the explosion. "That's all that was left of it," he said, referring to the car's remains.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the ARC clinic, confirmed the blast damaged the clinic's office area but not the IVF lab, which holds stored embryos. "Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients," he told the Associated Press.
Despite the destruction, the clinic stated its operations would resume Monday, noting that all sensitive medical areas had been secured. "We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries," the ARC said in a statement. "Our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected."
Images from the scene showed the charred frame of a vehicle and a scorched section of the parking lot behind the clinic. Aerial footage displayed blown-out walls and shattered windows.
The FBI and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation in Twentynine Palms, where Bartkus resided. The sheriff's office said there were "no known threats to the San Bernardino county region" but added that extra patrols would be conducted at local fertility clinics.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he and his wife were keeping those affected "in our hearts." On X, formerly Twitter, Newsom added, "The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds."
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also issued a statement condemning the violence: "Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable."
The Center for Reproductive Rights called the incident "unconscionable," warning that political rhetoric around assisted reproduction has become increasingly volatile. "The history of violence against reproductive health centers is why clinics need protections and patients must feel safe," the group stated.
