Authorities identify suspect in deadly Palm Springs fertility clinic explosion
Authorities named a suspect in the deadly explosion that happened at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, May 17. An FBI official said at a news conference on Sunday, May 18, that the bureau is “fairly confident” that 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus is their primary suspect.
Bartkus, a Twentynine Palms resident, allegedly carried out Saturday’s car explosion, killing himself and injuring four others. Authorities said Bartkus is believed to hold “nihilistic” views.
The FBI confirmed Sunday that the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism. The bureau added that there is no known threat to the public at this time.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI Los Angeles field office, said. “The FBI is investigating it as such. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is here, working in lock step with the Palm Springs police department, the ATF and a whole host of agencies.”
The American Reproductive Centers (ARC), which was allegedly targeted in the blast, provides in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other reproductive treatments. It is the only full-service facility of its kind in the Coachella Valley, with a facility in Loma Linda being the next closest. The center was closed at the time of the explosion.
“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,” the center posted on Facebook. “We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office posted on X that the governor has been briefed and state authorities are coordinating with local and federal teams.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
