Introduction to the Incident
The suspect investigators say is responsible for the deadly explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs was identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, authorities announced Sunday.
Bartkus, a Twentynine Palms resident, is believed to have carried out Saturday’s car explosion that killed himself and injured four others.
Investigation Details
Multiple law enforcement tactical officers were seen outside a Twentynine Palms residence late Saturday, about an hour away from the Palm Springs fertility clinic. The investigation was related to the explosion, sources tell NBC News.
The explosion was reported sometime before 11 a.m. Saturday on the 1100 block of North Indian Canyon Drive, near Desert Regional Hospital, in a parking lot near American Reproductive Centers.
Classification as an Act of Terrorism
In a news conference, Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles field office, called the blast an intentional act of terrorism.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Davis 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.”
Connection to Twentynine Palms and Motive
Multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the investigations confirm to NBC News the scene in Twentynine Palms is related to the ongoing investigation into Saturday morning’s explosion in Palm Springs. This video was broadcasted on the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on May 17, 2025.
Two senior law enforcement officials said the apparent motive behind the bombing comes from Bartkus’ anti-natalism ideology, which is the belief that no one should have children ever. Because the apparent target was the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, the FBI deemed the explosion an act of terrorism.
Scene Description and Response
Palm Springs Police Department Chief Andy Mills said in a post online that the blast field extended for blocks with debris scattered in the streets of the desert community east of Los Angeles. Davis estimated the debris field extended for about 250 yards.
Video from the scene showed several first responders in the area and a thick plume of smoke billowing from the fertility clinic.
Conclusion
The explosion at the Palm Springs fertility clinic has been classified as an act of terrorism, with the suspect identified as Guy Edward Bartkus. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies working together to understand the full circumstances of the incident. The motive behind the bombing is believed to be related to Bartkus’ anti-natalism ideology.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the suspect in the Palm Springs fertility clinic explosion?
A: The suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus. - Q: What is the believed motive behind the bombing?
A: The motive is believed to be related to Bartkus’ anti-natalism ideology, which is the belief that no one should have children ever. - Q: How many people were injured in the explosion?
A: Four people were injured in the explosion, in addition to the suspect who was killed. - Q: Which agencies are involved in the investigation?
A: The FBI, Palm Springs Police Department, ATF, and other agencies are working together on the investigation. - Q: What is the extent of the damage from the explosion?
A: The blast field extended for about 250 yards, with debris scattered in the streets of the desert community.
