Bomb explodes near California reproductive health clinic, killing one
PALM SPRINGS, California - A bomb exploded near a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs, California, killing one person, the city's mayor said on May 17.
The bomb was either in or near a car parked outside of the clinic when it exploded, Mayor Ron deHarte said.
Palm Springs fire chief Paul Alvarado said no suspect had been identified.
Authorities have not commented on a possible motive and Mayor deHarte said he could not confirm if the person who died is a suspect.
'It does appear to be an intentional act of violence,' he said.
ABC News, citing law enforcement sources and the facility, which was operated by American Reproductive Centres, said at least five people were injured in the explosion.
Palm Springs is about 160km east of Los Angeles.
The Palm Springs city government said in a Facebook post that an explosion occurred before 11am PDT (2am on May 18 in Singapore).
While the clinic was damaged, the staff was safe, the Associated Press reported, citing Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the facility.
A photo posted online by broadcaster KTLA in Los Angeles showed the single-story building that houses the clinic after the explosion. The bomb appeared to have ripped a gaping hole in one of its walls, leaving a pile of mangled debris spilling into the street.
Fire chief Mr Alvarado said several buildings in the area were damaged, some extensively.
The FBI in Los Angeles said in a social media post that it was investigating the explosion, with bomb technicians deployed to the scene.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the explosion, his office said.
American Reproductive Centres, which has offices in at least three California cities, provides services including in vitro fertilisation, genetic testing and in-house egg donation. REUTERS
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