Car bomb at California fertility center kills one

Officials said one person died and at least four others suffered injuries when a car bomb explosion rocked the Palm Springs fertility center Saturday morning. The blast occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time, according to Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. When firefighters arrived, the building was on fire and had already suffered a structural collapse, according to Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado. Davis said the explosion involved a vehicle and spread debris as far as 250 yards across several blocks in every direction.

Davis characterized the explosion as one of the largest bombing investigations ever in southern California, likening it to the May 2018 bombing at a commercial office building in Aliso Viejo. Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills urged any nearby residents who discover debris over the coming days to report it to authorities and leave it untouched until investigators can collect it.

Are there any suspects? On Sunday, the FBI identified 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, California, as the man responsible for the explosion, according to the Associated Press. They also said he was the one who died in the blast.  Davis characterized the incident as an intentional act of terrorism spread across a massive crime scene. First responders were immediately concerned about secondary devices and cleared the entire neighborhood, according to Mills.

What do investigators know about Bartkus? Authorities said Bartkus left behind writings that authorities characterized as anti-pro-life and infused with nihilistic ideations. They also contained anti-natalist views that people should not be allowed to procreate, according to authorities.