Crime
Bomber at Palm Springs fertility clinic identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus
Palm Springs, CA — Federal authorities have identified the suspect behind Saturday’s deadly explosion at a Palm Springs fertility clinic as Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, California.
Audio Manifesto Revealed from Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bomber Guy Edward Bartkus
Bartkus left online manifesto describing himself as a pro-mortalist, arguing people didn’t give consent to be born: “I’m very against [IVF], it’s extremely wrong.
These are people who are having kids after they’ve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get?”
The bombing, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at the American Reproductive Centers on North Indian Canyon Drive, has been labeled by the FBI as an intentional act of terrorism.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that five individuals were injured, though none of the victims’ injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Bartkus is believed to have acted alone, and there are no other suspects currently being sought.
The FBI, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), continues to investigate the scene.
During the investigation, a tripod with a camera was recovered from the blast site, leading officials to believe the attacker may have attempted to livestream the bombing.
Authorities are now analyzing the device and any associated digital data.
“Make no mistake — this was an intentional act of terrorism,” said an FBI spokesperson during a Saturday afternoon press briefing.
Federal agents have raided Bartkus’ residence on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms, where he lived with Dianne Bartkus, a 63-year-old woman believed to be either his mother or grandmother.
Authorities have not disclosed any information about potential accomplices or motives at this time.
The suspect reportedly had no known social media presence, further complicating investigators’ efforts to determine ideological affiliations or intent.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation.
In a statement, his office confirmed that the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating with local and federal agencies to support the investigation and ensure public safety.
The American Reproductive Centers, operated by Dr. Maher Abdallah, sustained extensive damage, particularly to its patient consultation areas.
Fortunately, no patients were present at the time of the blast, and all staff members were confirmed safe. The clinic’s IVF lab and stored embryos were not affected, Dr. Abdallah told the Associated Press.
“I really have no clue what happened,” Dr. Abdallah said. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.”
Initial witness footage and photographs captured shattered windows and widespread damage to nearby buildings.
One vehicle appeared severely damaged, but officials have not confirmed whether it was used in the detonation or simply caught in the explosion.
Residents described hearing a loud boom felt several blocks away, prompting widespread emergency response.
Roads around North Indian Canyon Drive and East Tachevah Drive remain closed as authorities process the scene.
Local, state, and federal investigators are expected to provide further updates in the coming days as the investigation continues.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.