The primary suspect in a fatal car bombing that occurred outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, was identified by authorities on Sunday, who said the explosion targeted the in vitro fertilization clinic.
The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, about 50 miles from Palm Springs, according to Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, during a Sunday afternoon press conference.
Bartkus is believed to be the person found dead next to the detonated vehicle, Davis said At least four other people were injured in the Saturday-morning blast.
“The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility,” Davis said. “Make no mistake, we are treating this, as I said yesterday, as an intentional act of terrorism.”
Davis said investigators have served a search warrant on Bartkus’ home and were continuing to search the residence on Sunday. Investigators were also combing through Bartkus’ writings, including what Davis described as a “manifesto,” and his social media posts.
Investigators believe that Bartkus attempted to livestream the bombing, according to Davis.
Davis said Bartkus was driving a silver 2010 Ford Fusion sedan. He asked that anyone who saw the vehicle in Palm Springs contact investigators, who are still trying to fill gaps in Bartkus’ movements in the city.
Investigators have pinpointed Bartkus’ whereabouts as of 6 a.m. on Saturday and the time he entered the city, but some of his movements remain under investigation, according to Davis.
The blast shattered windows and scattered debris in all directions, Davis said.
The four people injured in the explosion have all been released from the hospital, said Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills at the Sunday press conference.
The explosion in the 1300 block of Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs occurred at about 11 a.m. local time Saturday, rocking nearby buildings and leading to a fire and the collapse of a building, according to authorities. The debris field covered over 250 yards.
“Do to the speed and professionalism of the Palm Springs Fire Department Station 1, the Palm Springs Police Department, as well as the FBI bomb technicians, we were able to save all of the embryos at this facility,” Davis said. “They understood the sensitivity and the precious nature that was inside and they took extreme care to ensure that there was no loss of any sensitive material.”
Witness Nima Tabrizi told ABC News on Sunday morning that he and his girlfriend were in Palm Springs on vacation and were at a shop about 200 yards from the IVF clinic when they heard a “big boom.”
“We were like, wait a minute, what was that?” said Tabrizi. “The next thing we know, we look to the right and see a whole bunch of people pointing, bringing out their cameras. We see a cloud of smoke.”
Tabrizi said the blast sounded like a “sonic boom” and at first he thought a plane crash had occurred. He said he and his girlfriend were staying at a rental house located about 100 yards from the IVF clinic.
Tabrizi said he and his girlfriend got in their car and drove in the direction of the explosion.
“Upon arriving, we see what looked like human remains on the ground and we pull over right away right behind the IVF clinic and we see firefighters putting out a fire which appears to be the car,” said Tabrizi, adding that a liquor store next to the IVF clinic had all it’s windows blown out and that the front of the IVF clinic was completely blown out.
“It was a pretty wild situation,” Tabrizi said. “Didn’t know exactly what was going on, if there was going to be more that would transpire after; just kind of kept it calm, kept it collected, just was very aware of my surroundings. To be honest, I wasn’t that scared because I felt the worst had happened as we approached it.”
Tabrizi added, “We came for vacation to relax and ended up in a domestic terror attack. Not something I wanted to be a part of.”
In the aftermath of the blast, authorities closed several streets and urged residents to stay away as investigators searched for any other explosive devices.
“We have a rapidly evolving investigation with a massive crime scene,” Chief Andy Mills told reporters during the evening news conference. “Our first priority was to ensure the safety of our community. And we were very concerned about secondary devices, and so we spent a lot of time and effort working with the bureau, as well as the sheriff’s office, clearing the entire neighborhood, making sure that there was nothing that could harm our citizens any further.”
He added, “It’ll take a meticulous effort to make sure that we get every piece of evidence.”
FBI bomb technicians are now working to determine the origin of the blast.
Mills said during Sunday’s news conference that authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to Palm Springs or Twentynine Palms.
Davis, with the FBI, said the blast was “probably one of the largest bombing investigations that we’ve had in Southern California,” comparing it to the 2018 bombing of an Aliso Viejo day spa that killed one person and severely injured two other people.
Mills said he is saddened by what he called “an attack on our city,” but said he is also hopeful.
“Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs. We survived, and I can tell you that this city will rise,” he said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement on X stating that she had been briefed on the situation.
“Federal agents are on the ground now responding alongside local law enforcement. We are working to learn more,” she said, adding, “Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
The fertility clinic near the blast, the American Reproductive Centers of Palm Springs, said in a statement that its staff members, as well as eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, were unharmed in the blast.
“This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building. We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected,” the ARC said in a statement.
“ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have. We appreciate the incredible support from our patients and local community, as well as the swift action of Palm Springs Police, Fire, and emergency responders. This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world,’ ARC said in a statement.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was also briefed on the explosion.
“The state, through [California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services], is coordinating with local and federal authorities to support the response,” Newsom’s office said in a statement.
In addition to the FBI, the ATF said it is also sending resources to Palm Springs to assist, including bomb techs and fire investigators.
-ABC News’ Bill Hutchinson, Jack Date, Alexander Mallin and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
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