Introduction to the Palm Springs Bombing
Authorities examining the online ‘footprint’ of the man suspected of detonating a large bomb at a reproductive center in Palm Springs said Monday it appeared video recordings of tests of various homemade explosives had been posted on YouTube — months before the weekend explosion.
Several law enforcement sources said it appeared the videos were linked to 25-year-old Guy Bartkus, who was identified by the FBI as the bomber and was killed in the explosion Saturday.
Details of the Videos
One recording shows what appears to be a large explosion in a desert scene played at real-time speed, then replayed in slow motion. Another video shows a close-up of an explosive mixture labeled with the chemical compound and its explosive weight. The YouTube account was deactivated and the videos no longer appear online.
Connection to the Suspect
The former account’s username, "indictevolution," appears on several other profiles tied to Bartkus, including social media platforms and in messages posted to a variety of online forums. This connection strengthens the link between the videos and the suspect, providing valuable evidence for the investigation.
Law Enforcement Response
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills told MSNBC that Bartkus was not on law enforcement’s radar prior to the bombing, and said members of the public who had seen his messages or videos of explosions should have reported them.
FBI investigators continue to search for information after an explosion in Palm Springs over the weekend. Lauren Coronado reports for the NBC4 News at 6 a.m. on May 19, 2025.
“The mantra, see something, say something, that’s been going on for years, but I want to take it a step further: if you see it, you own it," Mills said Monday. "If a person sees somebody in a chat room that’s talking about these kind of things, and suicidal ideations, and using explosives to blow up things, if they see it and they didn’t report it, it’s as if they were part of this morally," he said.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI said it is also investigating an audio recording posted on a website that appears to be Bartkus explaining his reasons for taking his own life and targeting a fertility clinic. This ongoing investigation aims to uncover more details about the motives behind the bombing and to identify any potential accomplices or warning signs that may have been missed.
Conclusion
The Palm Springs bombing has raised concerns about the importance of monitoring online activities and reporting suspicious behavior. The case highlights the need for a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the public to prevent such incidents in the future. By understanding the events leading up to the bombing and the suspect’s online activities, we can work towards creating a safer community.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the suspect in the Palm Springs bombing?
- A: The suspect is identified as 25-year-old Guy Bartkus, who was killed in the explosion.
- Q: What kind of content did the suspect post online?
- A: The suspect posted videos of homemade explosives tests on YouTube and had an audio recording explaining his motives.
- Q: Why is it important to report suspicious online activities?
- A: Reporting suspicious activities can help law enforcement prevent crimes and protect the community.
- Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
- A: The FBI is continuing to investigate, looking into the suspect’s online footprint and motives behind the bombing.
