Introduction
The FBI has confirmed the identity of the suspect involved in a deadly car bomb explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, is believed to be the sole fatality of the blast, which authorities have called an intentional act of terrorism.
Details of the Explosion
The explosion occurred just before 11:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 17, 2025, near the American Reproductive Centers (ARC), a full-service fertility clinic in Palm Springs. The clinic confirmed no patients or staff were harmed in the attack. However, parts of the clinic’s office building were damaged, including a portion of its exterior wall.
The blast was caused by a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), detonated from a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan reportedly used by Bartkus. The explosion was so powerful it was felt over a mile away, with evidence scattered in all directions within 100 feet of the site.
Investigation and Suspect Profile
The FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. They described the suspect as having “nihilistic ideations” and believe he attempted to livestream the explosion. Authorities have executed a search warrant at Bartkus’s residence in Twentynine Palms, near a major Marine base, and evacuated nearby residents as a precaution.
Officials are still piecing together Bartkus’s movements before the attack and are asking the public for any information that might help the investigation.
Impact on the Fertility Clinic
Despite the damage to the clinic’s office, the ARC confirmed that their laboratory and all stored eggs and embryos remained fully secure and undamaged. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, expressed relief that no patients were present during the blast.
The ARC is the first comprehensive fertility center and IVF laboratory serving the Coachella Valley area, offering a range of reproductive services including IVF, egg donation, and support for same-sex couples.
Akil Davis, the FBI’s assistant director in the Los Angeles field office, said the suspect used a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan in the attack.
Mr Davis said the FBI is still looking for the public’s help to piece together the suspect’s whereabouts before the blast, and will remain on scene for the next day or two to continue their investigation.
The blast was felt more than a mile away. Mr Davis referred to it as “the largest bombing scene” the FBI had seen in southern California in recent memory, and said police are working to survey evidence that is scattered 100 feet away from the explosion “in every direction”.
Several buildings were damaged in the blast, including the ACR fertility clinic with images showing a portion of its wall had been entirely destroyed.
In addition to the deceased suspect, four others were injured in the blast. Palm Springs police said they have since been released from hospital.
The ARC said the explosion occurred in the car park near its building.
The fertility clinic said their lab, including all eggs and embryos, remained “fully secure and undamaged”.
But Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, told the Associated Press that the clinic’s office was damaged.
“I really have no clue what happened,” he said. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.”
According to its website, the ARC clinic is the first full-service fertility centre and IVF lab in the Coachella Valley.
It offers services including fertility evaluations, IVF, egg donation and freezing, reproductive support for same-sex couples and surrogacy.
Conclusion
The Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing highlights the ongoing risks faced by public facilities and the importance of vigilance in protecting healthcare services. The FBI continues to lead the investigation into this tragic incident as the community seeks answers and recovery.
For more on security measures in healthcare and recent terrorism cases in California, visit our Fertility Clinic Security Guide and California Terrorism Cases 2025.
