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
Fatal Domestic Shooting Under Investigation on Mel Smith Road
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.
