A bomb exploded Saturday outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California
According report from Channel News 3, the FBI is “fairly confident” in their belief that the individual responsible for the bombing on Saturday was 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms. Tragically, Bartkus lost his life in the explosion, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m. in the vicinity of American Reproductive Centers, located on the 1100 block of N Indian Canyon, near E Tachevah Drive.
Authorities believe Bartkus was trying to livestream the attack, according to Davis.
An “anti pro-life manifesto believed to be authored by the suspect has been located and is being examined by the FBI,” according to an X post from US Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli.
We are happy to report that no embryos at the IVF center were damaged by the explosion.
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – FBI investigators have designated a man from Twentynine Palms as the “primary suspect” in a fatal explosion in Palm Springs, which authorities have classified as an “intentional act of terrorism.”
“We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary subject, our primary suspect, a person of interest,” Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, adding that the suspect was not previously known to the FBI.
Davis said Bartkus was driving a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan with license number 8hws848.
According to CNN, in a disjointed audio message, the speaker articulates several personal grievances and expresses his opposition to in vitro fertilization, identifying himself as “anti-life.” He asserts that the government should not limit an individual’s “right to die.”
“That’s critical because we need the public’s help in identifying the gaps in our investigation,” Davis said. “We know where Mr. Bartkus was at about 6 a.m. We know the timeline of when he entered the city; however we need the public’s help for identifying where he traversed within the city before the explosion.”
“Make no mistake. This is an intentional act of terrorism,” Davis said in a news conference on Saturday. “This is one of the largest bombing investigations we’ve had in Southern California.”
On Sunday, Davis went a step further saying: “The is probably the largest bombing scene that we’ve had in Southern California. This does eclipse the bombing matter in Aliso Viejo (at a day spa in 2018); it’s that big. For reference, to throw pieces of vehicle hundreds of feet in the air, and several blocks away, you can use your imagination how big that bomb device was.”
“This is an isolated incident,” Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills in a news conference on Saturday. “The community is not at risk any longer.”
“Officials are also aware of a rambling audio recording posted online in which a man describes his intention to attack an in vitro fertilization clinic, and they are working to determine whether it is associated with the incident,” CNN reported, citing an unnamed law enforcement source.
“In the oftentimes incoherent audio message, the speaker discusses various grievances about his life, but the specific connection to IVF is unclear,” according to CNN.
We. Choose. Hope.
This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building.
We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected.
We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our lab—including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials—remains fully secure and undamaged. We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast.
Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is. In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope—because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care.
Out of every tragedy, there is an opportunity to come together with deeper purpose. While today’s events have shaken us all, they also shine a light on the strength of our community, the bravery of our first responders, and the resilience of the families we serve.
At ARC, we believe in creating life—not just in the biological sense, but in the emotional and spiritual sense, too. We see this moment as a reminder to hold loved ones close, to show kindness whenever possible, and to continue our work with even more intention and heart. From adversity, we choose hope.
ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have. We appreciate the incredible support from our patients and local community, as well as the swift action of Palm Springs Police, Fire, and emergency responders.
This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr Abdallah & Your ARC Family