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Suspect identified in 'intentional act of terrorism' near Palm Springs fertility clinic
Damage to American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic after a bomb exploded nearby late Saturday morning.
(
Gabriel Osorio
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Authorities have identified Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, as the man they allege is behind a car bombing in Palm Springs.
Bartkus, authorities said, was killed in the bombing. Four other people injured in the blast have been treated and released. A fertility clinic nearby was badly damaged in the attack.
"The subject had nihilistic ideations and this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility," Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles office, said at a 10 a.m. news conference on Sunday in Palm Springs.
"Make no mistake, we are treating this... as an intentional act of terrorism," he continued.
About the investigation
Davis said investigators are looking at a possible "manifesto" as part of the investigation. They believe the alleged bomber was trying to livestream the attack.
The blast happened just before 11 a.m. at the 1300 block of North Indian Canyon Drive on Saturday.
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Davis called the explosion significant. The impact, he said, could be felt several blocks away.
"This is probably the largest bombing scene that we've had in Southern California. This does eclipse the bombing matter in Aliso Viejo. It's that big," Davis said, referring to a 2018 bombing of a day spa that killed a woman and injured two others.
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The U.S. attacks were the ninth consecutive day of bombing since peace talks between the two countries collapsed.
Guy Edward Bartkus
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Courtesy FBI
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The FBI is asking for the public's help in filling in Bartkus' timeline after he drove into Palm Springs at around 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Bartkus, according to Davis, was driving a 2010 silver Ford Fusion, with the license plate 8HWS848.
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Fertility clinic
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic that sustained significant damage from the explosion, said on social media that no one on his staff was harmed.
"Our lab—including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials—remains fully secure and undamaged," the statement read.
The clinic is Coachella Valley's first and only full-service fertility center and IVF lab, according to its website.
If you need help
- If you or someone you know is in crisis and need immediate help, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or go here for online chat.
- Find 5 Action Steps for helping someone who may be suicidal, from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- Six questions to ask to help assess the severity of someone's suicide risk, from the Columbia Lighthouse Project.
- To prevent a future crisis, here's how to help someone make a safety plan.
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