Authorities have identified Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old man from Twentynine Palms, California, as the individual responsible for Saturday’s explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, which left four people injured and the suspect dead.
Bartkus was found near a charred vehicle close to the site of the blast, in what officials are describing as a deliberate attack. During a Sunday press conference, Akil Davis, head of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, confirmed that the incident is being investigated as “an intentional act of terrorism.”
According to Davis, investigators are analyzing a series of writings left behind by Bartkus that may shed light on his mental state. These documents, described as “anti pro-life” by U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli in a social media post, were reported by the Associated Press to express the belief that the world should not continue to be populated.
“The subject had nihilistic ideations and specifically targeted this in vitro fertilization (IVF) facility,” Davis stated. “Make no mistake: this was an intentional act of terrorism.”
Despite the force of the explosion, all embryos stored at the American Reproductive Centers clinic were rescued. Davis said the blast was “likely the largest bomb we’ve had in Southern California.”
As part of the investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Bartkus’ residence in Twentynine Palms. It was also discovered that the attacker had attempted to record the explosion, though the video was never uploaded online. A source familiar with the case, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, confirmed this detail.
The clinic, located in an upscale area of Palm Springs, was destroyed in the explosion. However, a physician told the AP that all staff members were unharmed.
