Palm Springs, CA

Federal authorities have identified the suspect behind Saturday morning’s deadly explosion at a Palm Springs fertility clinic as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, a resident of Twentynine Palms, California. The bombing, which killed one person and injured at least four others, has been officially classified as an act of domestic terrorism by the FBI.

The blast occurred shortly before 11 a.m. outside the American Reproductive Centers on North Indian Canyon Drive. According to law enforcement officials, the explosion was caused by a vehicle bomb, which shattered windows and sent debris flying for blocks. The person killed in the explosion was near the vehicle at the time of detonation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether that individual was Bartkus himself.

In a statement at a press conference Saturday evening, Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, confirmed that the clinic was deliberately targeted. “Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Davis said. “We are treating this as a targeted attack on reproductive healthcare.”

Bartkus is believed to have acted alone. No other suspects are currently being sought, and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

Authorities revealed that Bartkus left behind an online manifesto in which he identified as a “pro-mortalist,” espousing controversial philosophical beliefs that individuals cannot consent to being born. In the manifesto, he expressed strong opposition to in vitro fertilization (IVF), calling it “extremely wrong.”

Federal agents raided Bartkus’ residence on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms on Saturday afternoon. He lived there with Dianne Bartkus, a 63-year-old woman believed to be either his mother or grandmother. Investigators are now analyzing digital evidence and materials recovered from the home.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a statement that the explosion caused significant structural damage to multiple nearby buildings. “The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence and the blast extends for blocks,” Mills said. “Our first priority is to make the scene safe for our community.”

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills addresses the media during a press conference

The FBI, Palm Springs Police Department, and ATF are continuing the joint investigation. Officials urge residents who may have found debris or suspicious materials in the vicinity to leave it in place and notify authorities using the non-emergency hotline.

While the victims’ injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, authorities have not yet released their names. The identity of the deceased is expected to be confirmed following forensic analysis.

The incident has shocked the Palm Springs community and raised renewed concerns about domestic extremism targeting reproductive health facilities.