By Steve Neavling
Federal authorities say a bombing outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs that killed one person and injured at least four others was an intentional act of terrorism.
The FBI on Sunday identified the suspect as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, who they believe died in the blast, Reuters reports. Investigators said Bartkus espoused “nihilistic ideations” and appeared to target the American Reproductive Center, an in vitro fertilization facility.
“We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary suspect,” said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. “This was a targeted attack … and we are treating it as an intentional act of terrorism.”
The explosion occurred around 11 a.m. Saturday outside the clinic. Bartkus’s body was found near a silver Ford Fusion believed to have been used in the bombing. Officials say he may have attempted to livestream the attack.
A website believed to be linked to Bartkus included writings in which he identified as a “pro-mortalist” and expressed views against human life, according to the Los Angeles Times.
FBI agents were executing a court-approved search of Bartkus’s home and reviewing what they described as a possible manifesto. Davis said the public is not believed to be in danger.
No embryos stored at the clinic were damaged, but the blast tore a hole in the building and scattered vehicle debris hundreds of feet. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and follow up on tips.
Officials said the site is the largest bombing crime scene in Southern California history. Bartkus was not previously known to the FBI.
