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
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.