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
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.