Crime
California Fertility Clinic Bombing an “Intentional Act of Terrorism”, Suspect May Have Attempted to Livestream Attack
A tripod with a camera was found at the scene.
Palm Springs, CA — Federal authorities have confirmed that Saturday’s deadly explosion at a Palm Springs fertility clinic was a deliberate act of terrorism.
Audio Manifesto Revealed from Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bomber Guy Edward Bartkus
A spokesperson for the FBI stated that investigators recovered a camera mounted on a tripod at the scene, suggesting the suspect may have intended to livestream the attack.
The explosion occurred around 11:00 a.m. on May 11 at the American Reproductive Centers, located at 1199 North Indian Canyon Drive, near Desert Regional Medical Center.
The blast rocked downtown Palm Springs and could be heard and felt within a two-mile radius. Authorities confirmed that one person — believed to be the suspect — was killed, and five others were injured.
Palm Springs police, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded to the scene.
Law enforcement sources said they are not searching for additional suspects at this time, and a person of interest has been identified.
“Make no mistake — this is an intentional act of terrorism,” the FBI said in a statement.
Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and is coordinating the state’s response through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Federal and local agencies are working together to assess the full scope of the incident.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the FBI’s involvement in determining whether the act was ideologically motivated or planned as a broader attack.
The possibility of terrorism remains under active investigation.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the affected fertility clinic, told the Associated Press that the explosion caused significant damage to the office area used for patient consultations but spared the IVF lab and the embryos stored inside.
“Thank God today happened to be a day that we had no patients,” said Dr. Abdallah. “All of our staff are safe and accounted for.”
Witness footage from the scene showed shattered windows in nearby buildings, scorched debris, and what appeared to be the remains of a vehicle.
Authorities have yet to determine if the vehicle was the source of the explosion or used to transport the device.
Palm Springs police have cordoned off the area and urged residents to avoid the vicinity to allow emergency crews to conduct their investigation and ensure public safety.
This tragic and alarming event has raised serious questions about motive, planning, and potential security lapses.
Officials are expected to release further information as the investigation continues. A formal press briefing is anticipated in the coming days.
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.