Latest news with #TheDesertSun
USA Today
21-05-2025
- USA Today
Palm Springs bombing suspect talked about explosives on YouTube, authorities say
PALM SPRINGS, CA — Several days after the fatal explosion near a Southern California fertility clinic, a clearer picture has begun to emerge of the suspect and the motivation for the attack. Authorities are investigating whether anyone else knew the suspect's plans beforehand. The FBI has named Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms, California, who died in the Palm Springs blast, as the suspect in the bombing. The FBI confirmed Bartkus' DNA matched that of the lone casualty of the May 17 blast. Investigators believe Bartkus acted alone, though his online communication is being scrutinized for the possibility that others knew of the attack in advance. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills told The Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Bartkus discussed explosives online as far back as 2022. "I don't know that he had any help. I do know that he was discussing this in chat rooms and on YouTube channels, he was experimenting with different explosives," Mills said. "There was a conversation in the dark web, if you will, over this kind of thing." Mills noted that the FBI continued to investigate Bartkus' online activity and said determining whether anyone else knew of the plans and should face criminal charges would be up to the federal investigators. "That's an FBI responsibility. They will get to the bottom of that, I am fully confident," Mills affirmed. "There may be nobody that's charged, but we will turn over every rock to make sure." 'Subject had nihilistic ideations' Akil Davis, assistant director of the Los Angeles FBI field office, called the incident "one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California." Davis compared the blast to the scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County in 2018. Davis said that investigators believe Bartkus targeted the fertility clinic based on his online posts and an apparent "manifesto" they were reviewing. "The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility," Davis said. "We are treating this as an intentional act of terrorism." The FBI has confirmed it is looking into eyewitness reports that a tripod was found at the site of the bombing that appeared to be intended to livestream the incident. Bartkus' father, Richard Bartkus, described a childhood incident when Guy Bartkus played with matches and burned their house down. A YouTube account that has been deactivated and appears to have belonged to Guy Bartkus shows videos of experimentation with explosives going back six years, according to an archived version of the website. The FBI has not confirmed any of Bartkus' alleged online accounts, and a spokesperson for the bureau declined to comment on the suspect's online activity when asked by The Desert Sun. 'It's a very heavy piece of equipment' Though some questions have been answered, the FBI has still not revealed the type of explosive material that was used or precisely how much explosive power was involved. Dwain Wall, a Palm Springs resident who was one of the first people on the scene after the explosion, found a propane torch in the parking lot of a nearby Denny's that he turned over to the FBI as evidence. "It's a very heavy piece of equipment," he told The Desert Sun. "It was solid. All it had was a very tiny, almost like gun barrel, a solid gun barrel, but a very tiny opening that the gas is forced through." The logo on the device identified it as a Bernzomatic Trigger Start Torch, a consumer product available on Amazon for $47. When asked on May 18 about whether the torch could have been used to ignite the bomb, Davis did not directly comment. "We are receiving hundreds of tips per day and we are following all of them," he said. "As you guys can imagine, how large this scene is, there is evidence strewn all about in a 360-degree perimeter, several hundred feet in diameter.' The FBI appeared to be wrapping up its investigation of the crime scene in Palm Springs, a tony resort city located in the Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert. The city is more than 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Palm Springs police have said there is no ongoing threat to the community. Authorities are investigating Bartkus' whereabouts on the morning of the attack. The FBI said Bartkus drove a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan with the license plate number 8HWS848. Anyone with information about the suspect or attack can contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-225-5324 (800-CALL-FBI), or through the website, Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@ Contributing: Paul Albani-Burgio, Sam Morgen, Jennifer Cortez, Kate Franco, Robert Anglen, and Christopher Damien, USA TODAY Network
USA Today
19-05-2025
- USA Today
What is nihilistic? FBI says fertility clinic bomb suspect had 'nihilistic ideations'
What is nihilistic? FBI says fertility clinic bomb suspect had 'nihilistic ideations' Show Caption Hide Caption Explosion near Palm Springs fertility clinic rattles area First responders were on the scene after an explosion near a reproductive center in Palm Springs, CA. Officials investigating a fatal weekend explosion at a desert California fertility clinic that killed one and injured several others said the suspect "had nihilistic ideations" and believed it was better to die than to live. The FBI reported Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, detonated an explosive device in his car the morning of May 18 outside the American Reproductive Centers clinic in Palm Springs. The city is more than 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The incident was initially reported as a car explosion near the facility on North Indian Canyon Drive in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County. The late morning blast rattled homes and startled the desert city just before 11 local time, The Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. One person was killed and at least four were injured in the blast. The FBI called the bombing a targeted attack on the IVF facility, an "intentional act of terrorism" and said the suspect "had nihilistic ideations" and anti-natalist views. What does nihilistic mean? What is does anti-natalist mean? Here's what to know about the terms. Live: FBI says Palm Springs bombing suspect had 'pro-mortalist' and anti-natalist views What does nihilistic mean? Nihilism is defined in Webster's Dictionary as a "viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that "existence is senseless and useless." The view rejects religious and moral principles in the belief that life is meaningless. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the late German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is among a group of late modern thinkers including Karl Marx associated with nihilistic believes. "Crime and Punishment" author Fyodor Dostoevsky, a Russian novelist, has also been linked to nihilism. FBI on California blast: Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing suspect had 'nihilistic' ideas What is anti-natalism? Anti-natalism is defined in Webster as a philosophical view deeming procreation to be "unethical or unjustifiable." Based on various reasons, including environmental concerns or the belief that life itself is inherently suffering, those with the belief disapprove of human population growth. 'Strongest in the broken places': Biden thanks supporters after cancer diagnosis Fertility clinic suspect believed to have died in blast Akil Davis, assistant director of the Los Angeles FBI field office, described as "one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California." Davis said the FBI believes Bartkus died in the blast, and had tried to livestream the attack. A body presumed to be his was discovered near the vehicle - a 2010 silver Ford Fusion. Through an autopsy, a coroner will identity the body and determine the person's cause and manner of death. The blast damaged several nearby buildings, officials said but the fertility clinic reported on social media its staff were safe, and no eggs or embryos were damaged. According to the fertility clinic's Facebook page, it is open from 7-11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Officials said embryos stored inside the clinic were not damaged by the blast. Investigators raided a home allegedly belonging to Bartkus in Twentynine Palms and, according to Reuters, a website contained messages apparently linked to the suspect, in which "he laid out a loose argument against human life." According to the FBI, officials are tracking "a possible manifesto" in the investigation. "Basically, I'm a pro-mortalist," part of the message reads, the Los Angeles Times reported. Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse, Reuters and Jennifer Cortez, Christopher Damien, and Paul Albani-Burg, USA TODAY. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- USA Today
FBI says fertility clinic bomb suspect had 'nihilistic ideations.' What does that mean?
FBI says fertility clinic bomb suspect had 'nihilistic ideations.' What does that mean? Show Caption Hide Caption Explosion near Palm Springs fertility clinic rattles area First responders were on the scene after an explosion near a reproductive center in Palm Springs, CA. Officials investigating a fatal weekend explosion at a desert California fertility clinic that killed one and injured several others said the suspect "had nihilistic ideations" and believed it was better to die than to live. The FBI reported Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, detonated an explosive device in his car the morning of May 18 outside the American Reproductive Centers clinic in Palm Springs. The city is more than 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The incident was initially reported as a car explosion near the facility on North Indian Canyon Drive in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County. The late morning blast rattled homes and startled the desert city just before 11 local time, The Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. One person was killed and at least four were injured in the blast. The FBI called the May 18 bombing a targeted attack on the IVF facility, an "intentional act of terrorism" and said the suspect "had nihilistic ideations" and anti-natalist views. What does nihilistic mean? What is does anti-natalist mean? Here's what to know about the terms. Live: FBI says Palm Springs bombing suspect had 'pro-mortalist' and anti-natalist views What does nihilistic mean? Nihilism is defined in Webster's Dictionary as a "viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that "existence is senseless and useless." The view rejects religious and moral principles in the belief that life is meaningless. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the late German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is among a group of late modern thinkers including Karl Marx associated with nihilistic believes. "Crime and Punishment" author Fyodor Dostoevsky, a Russian novelist, has also been linked to nihilism. FBI on California blast: Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing suspect had 'nihilistic' ideas What is anti-natalism? Anti-natalism is defined in Webster as a philosophical view deeming procreation to be "unethical or unjustifiable." Based on various reasons, including environmental concerns or the belief that life itself is inherently suffering, those with the belief disapprove of human population growth. 'Strongest in the broken places': Biden thanks supporters after cancer diagnosis Fertility clinic suspect believed to have died in blast Akil Davis, assistant director of the Los Angeles FBI field office, described as "one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California." Davis said the FBI believes Bartkus died in the blast, and had tried to livestream the attack. A body presumed to be his was discovered near the vehicle - a 2010 silver Ford Fusion. Through an autopsy, a coroner will identity the body and determine the person's cause and manner of death. The blast damaged several nearby buildings, officials said but the fertility clinic reported on social media its staff were safe, and no eggs or embryos were damaged. According to the fertility clinic's Facebook page, it is open from 7-11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Officials said embryos stored inside the clinic were not damaged by the blast. Investigators raided a home allegedly belonging to Bartkus in Twentynine Palms and, according to Reuters, a website contained messages apparently linked to the suspect, in which "he laid out a loose argument against human life." According to the FBI, officials are tracking "a possible manifesto" in the investigation. "Basically, I'm a pro-mortalist," part of the message reads, the Los Angeles Times reported. Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse, Reuters and Jennifer Cortez, Christopher Damien, and Paul Albani-Burg, USA TODAY. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Body parts' spotted in road as explosion rips through IVF lab
Concerned locals said they felt the area "shake" when some kind of loud bang was heard. Horrific scenes are unfolding in Palm Springs after an explosion tore through an IVF lab leaving "body parts" strewn across the roads. One fatality has been confirmed following the blast next to an IVF clinic that took place at around 11am local time. The FBI is on the scene following the explosion, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also on their way, spokesperson Nicole Lozano said. Local police have also not yet ruled out if terrorism is behind the huge incident. Lieutenant William Hutchinson from the Palm Springs Police Department told The Desert Sun: "Everything is in question, whether this is an act of terrorism." Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic where the explosion occurred, said all of his staff were safe and accounted for, reports the Mirror. The explosion damaged the practice's office space, where it conducts consultations with patients, but left the IVF lab and all of the stored embryos there unharmed. 'I really have no clue what happened,' Abdallah said. 'Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.' A local reporter said they have been told a "structure fire" is being tackled by firefighters, while an NBC News journalist said there are concerns"this may have been a bomb" due to the police presence at the scene. This is not confirmed. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Concerned locals have said they felt the area "shake" when some kind of loud bang was heard. One resident said they were jogging a short distance away from the American Reproductive Centres when the blast occured. "It was so loud it shook me," Tamara Cash told The Desert Sun. "All I could hear was alarms going off in different buildings." Locals have also reported smelling a strange odour in the wake of the blast. First responders have continued to arrive at the scene. TV reported Carrlyn Bathe Hammer said on X: "We're in Palm Springs for the weekend and are driving to get brunch - emergency responders have FLOODED the area, we had to reroute to another street. I'm not sure what happened but buildings/windows are shattered, debris is scattered. It looks like an explosion?!" Nearby upholstery shop worker Claudio Chavez said according to the New York Times: "I was just in my shop waiting for clients, and all of a sudden it felt like a big explosion. It took out our window. I just saw a bunch of smoke."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Explosion Destroys Fertility Clinic In Palm Springs, At Least 1 Dead
A large explosion destroyed a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California on Saturday and killed at least one person. Firefighters responded to the scene at American Reproductive Centers at around 11 a.m. The explosion could be heard by people in at least a 2-mile radius, The Desert Sun reported. Lt. William Hutchinson with the Palm Springs Police Department told the publication there appears to be at least one fatality. A law enforcement source also told NBC News that one person has died. Photos and video of the scene posted to social media show rubble and debris scattered around and the wall of the building blown out. The clinic, which opened in 2006, is a full-service fertility center and in vitro fertilization lab, according to its website. Reviews of the clinic on Google are overwhelmingly positive, with several people praising the clinic for helping them start families. The clinic was closed Saturday and it's unclear if the building was targeted. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
