Crime
First Photo Released of Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bomber Guy Edward Bartkus
Federal authorities have released the first photo of Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old man from Twentynine Palms, California, who has been identified as the sole suspect in Saturday’s deadly bombing outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic.
Bartkus died in the explosion, which injured four others and caused significant damage to the facility.
According to law enforcement sources, Bartkus detonated an explosive device inside his vehicle, parked outside the American Reproductive Centers—a clinic that offers in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, and related reproductive services.
The vehicle was a silver Ford Fusion sedan, plate 8HWS848.
The explosion occurred around 11 a.m. and has since been labeled by the FBI as an “intentional act of terrorism.”
Authorities describe Bartkus as a self-proclaimed “pro-mortalist,” a belief system rooted in the notion that bringing life into the world without consent perpetuates suffering.
Investigators recovered both written and audio manifestos in which Bartkus reportedly espoused these extreme anti-natalist views, suggesting the attack was ideologically motivated.
In response to the bombing, FBI tactical teams conducted a large-scale operation at Bartkus’ residence on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms.
The area was evacuated and declared a “blast zone” out of concern for potential secondary devices.
During the search, agents in full bomb squad gear conducted at least one controlled detonation after a loud bang and the warning “fire in the hole” was heard from the scene.
Authorities also recovered two firearms—an AK-47-style rifle and an AR-style rifle—along with ammunition found near the suspect’s destroyed vehicle at the bombing site.
While the FBI has yet to confirm whether similar materials were located inside the home, the agency stated the investigation is ongoing and involves federal, state, and local partners.
Photos and videos from the scene of the explosion showed debris and shattered glass scattered along the street in front of the clinic at 1199 North Indian Canyon Drive. Smoke was visible for miles, and residents reported a strange odor in the air.
One witness described the blast as so powerful it was felt up to three miles away. Unconfirmed social media reports indicated that human remains may have been found near the scene.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, the physician who operates the fertility clinic, confirmed that while the front office sustained significant damage, the IVF laboratory and all stored embryos were unharmed. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we had no patients,” he told the Associated Press.
One nearby resident, Thomas Bickel, described the alarming moment deputies ordered him to evacuate his home, which was located close to Bartkus’ residence.
“There was just a bunch of sheriff’s deputies going door to door, telling everyone to leave,” Bickel told local media. “I have kids that come hang out at my house sometimes, and knowing that someone was building a bomb that close is pretty scary.”
FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis, speaking at a press conference late Saturday, confirmed that Bartkus was the sole fatality of the bombing and that no active search for additional suspects is underway.
Authorities continue to investigate Bartkus’ background and possible motivations, including the contents of his manifestos.
The federal investigation remains active, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or threats stemming from the incident.
Crime
14-year-old Tyronai Reed killed after shooting in Hammond
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.
