19-05-2025
FBI identifies suspect in Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing
STORY: The FBI has named a suspect in a bomb explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California over the weekend.
The agency said Sunday they believe the attack was intentional.
Here's assistant director at the FBI's Los Angeles field office, Akil Davis.
'We are fairly confident that that subject is Guy Edward Bartkus, 25 year old, from again, Palm Springs - I'm sorry, from again 29 Palms."
The blast went off in or near a car parked outside the clinic, which was operated by American Reproductive Center.
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The sound of the explosion was caught on this home security camera.
One person was killed and at least four were injured in the blast.
Officials said that no embryos stored inside the clinic were harmed.
Davis said the FBI believes Bartkus died in the blast.
He described the suspect as having, quote, 'nihilistic ideations,' and said that he had been trying to livestream the attack.
Davis added that the FBI was conducting a search at the suspect's home, and that the agency did not believe there was an 'ongoing threat to the public.'
Officials said they are receiving hundreds of tips and collecting evidence, including pieces of the vehicle that exploded and were strewn several hundred feet in every direction.
Davis said it is likely the largest bombing crime scene in Southern California history.
Palm Spring residents on Sunday were still reeling from the attack.
'We were sitting in our home, which is a mile from where it occurred, and it was very loud. I was shook. So, that must have been one big bomb happening a mile away."
'Who would have thought in Palm Springs of all places? You know what I mean? But that's the world we live in. It's just the way it is. You just have to accept things and pray for better outcomes and less violence. But it's like I said, it's the world that we live in."
Bartkus was not known to the FBI prior to the incident.
