Crime
Suspect dead in explosion at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA — A powerful explosion rocked a medical building in Palm Springs on Saturday morning, injuring five people and leaving one person—believed to be the suspect—dead.
The blast occurred around 11:00 a.m. near the American Reproductive Centers, a fertility clinic located at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, just north of East Tachevah Drive and near Desert Regional Medical Center.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that five individuals sustained injuries, while one person—thought to be responsible for the explosion—was killed at the scene.
The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have both responded to the scene and are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and whether it was intentional.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said Nicole Lozano, spokesperson for the ATF. “Our teams are en route and working with local partners to assess the damage and collect evidence.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation.
One video appears to show a body lying near the blast site, which aligns with police confirmation of a fatality.
A statement from his office noted that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is actively coordinating with local and federal agencies to support emergency operations on the ground.
Footage from witnesses and bystanders showed thick black smoke billowing from the building, shattered windows across adjacent structures, and debris scattered across the area.
The explosion was reportedly heard and felt up to two miles away, prompting panic and drawing a rapid response from fire and law enforcement agencies.
At a press briefing shortly after noon, Lt. William Hutchinson of the Palm Springs Police Department confirmed that the possibility of terrorism or deliberate criminal intent is “not being ruled out at this time.”
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the American Reproductive Centers facility, told the Associated Press in a phone interview that his staff were unharmed and all accounted for.
He confirmed the explosion severely damaged the office and consultation areas, but the IVF laboratory and all stored embryos remained intact.
“I really have no clue what happened,” Dr. Abdallah said. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we had no patients in the building.”
Authorities have shut down North Indian Canyon Drive between Vista Chino and Alejo Road, urging the public to avoid the area while emergency crews continue to work.
Though some online speculation has pointed to past negative reviews associated with the clinic, investigators have not linked any grievances or prior complaints to Saturday’s explosion.
Federal agents, including bomb technicians and evidence response teams, are expected to remain on site throughout the weekend as they work to determine the origin and motive behind the blast.
A formal press conference is anticipated in the coming hours, where officials are expected to provide additional details on casualties, property damage, and the scope of the investigation.
Residents with surveillance footage or any information relevant to the incident are urged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.