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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.