Investigators identify suspect in fertility clinic bombing in Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ/KION-TV) -- The FBI identified the suspect and only person killed in a Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing on Saturday as Guy Edward Bartkus.
The 25-year-old Twentynine Palms native was said to have writings or recordings indicating he was against "bringing people into the world against their will."
Officials identified the bomb used in the attack as a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
"The subject had nihilistic ideations and this was a targeted attack," Akil Davis with the FBI's L.A. Field Office said. "We believe he was attempting to livestream it and yes, that is also part of our investigation."
The blast occurred just before 11 a.m. on North Indian Canyon Drive near East Tachevah drive, which is an area that has several healthcare facilities and American Reproductive Centers nearby.
The reproductive center is identified as an IVF clinic.
Palm Springs Police Chief referring to the incident as a targeted act of terrorism, but said he's confident the city is now safe.
"Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs," Mills said of the incident during a Saturday news conference. "We survived. And I can tell you that this city will rise and be more effective as a beacon of hope than before."
Staff at the clinic said they plan to see patients at a temporary location through at least Monday, but will explain reopening plans at a press conference in the near future.
Firefighters respond to explosion at building in Palm Springs
Firefighters are at the scene of an explosion at a building in Palm Springs Saturday morning.
The explosion was first reported at around 11 a.m. at American Reproductive Centers on N Indian Canyon, near E Tachevah Drive, according to city officials.
Several witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion throughout the area.
Authorities request that residents stay away from the area so that emergency crews can work on the incident.
Images from KION's sister station, KESQ, shows damage at several nearby buildings, including Desert Regional Medical Center, Denny's, and Palm Springs Liquor.
Details remain limited, but KESQ has reached out to the Palm Springs Fire and Police departments for details.
Officials from DRCM issued a statement:
“On Saturday morning an explosion occurred at an unaffiliated office building across the street from Desert Regional Medical Center. Hospital staff is cooperating with police as they investigate the cause. Our emergency department remains open and our hospital is fully operational. We are temporarily asking visitors to refrain from coming to the hospital as police have limited access to the road in front of our campus. Some windows were broken in a medical office building directly facing the explosion. Hospital operations have not been affected.”
This is a developing story.
