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 Centersโa 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 โpro-mortalist,โ 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 Bartkusโ 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 firearmsโan AK-47-style rifle and an AR-style rifleโalong with ammunition found near the suspectโs 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. โThank God today happened to be a day that we had no patients,โ 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 Bartkusโ residence.
โThere was just a bunch of sheriffโs deputies going door to door, telling everyone to leave,โ Bickel told local media. โI have kids that come hang out at my house sometimes, and knowing that someone was building a bomb that close is pretty scary.โ
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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.