Palm Springs, California: A bomb explosion outside a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs, California, killed one person and injured at least four others on Saturday, prompting the FBI to classify the attack as an “intentional act of terrorism”.
The explosion occurred just before 11 a.m. local time outside a building operated by American Reproductive Centers (ARC), a fertility clinic offering a range of services including in vitro fertilization, genetic testing, and egg donation. The blast severely damaged a vehicle parked near the clinic and tore through part of the facility’s structure.
Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, told reporters that the agency had identified a person of interest in the case but was not actively searching for additional suspects. Davis refrained from sharing specific details about the investigation, including whether there was any connection between the deceased victim and the person of interest.
“The person killed was near a vehicle that had been blown to pieces outside the clinic,” Davis stated. Local authorities confirmed the bomb was placed either inside or very near the vehicle. The resulting explosion caused substantial damage not only to the clinic but also to several adjacent buildings.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Davis declared during the press briefing. He noted that investigators are working to determine whether the act falls under international or domestic terrorism.
Footage circulated online showed a large hole in one of the clinic’s exterior walls and evidence of widespread interior damage. Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte described the incident as deeply disturbing and emphasized the city’s full cooperation with federal investigators.
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Despite the physical damage, American Reproductive Centers confirmed that its essential operations and laboratory assets remained secure. “The clinic’s laboratory, including all eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, was safe and secure, and all members of staff were unharmed,” the facility stated in a Facebook post.
“The moment has shaken us — but it has not stopped us,” said Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. State and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the motive and origin of the bomb.
American Reproductive Centers announced that despite the incident, the Palm Springs location will resume full operations on Monday.
