An explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California on Saturday resulted in one fatality and four injuries, in what authorities are describing as an “intentional act of terrorism.” Palm Springs is located about 110 miles east of Los Angeles.
In a Facebook post, Palm Springs city officials said that the blast occurred just before 11 a.m. local time at North Indian Canyon Drive, near East Tachevah Drive, a stretch that has several healthcare facilities, including American Reproductive Centers, a local IVF clinic. Four other people were injured in the explosion, none of which are believed to be staff members of the clinic. .
In a statement, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills disclosed that one person was killed in a vehicle explosion that appeared to be “an intentional act of violence.” Mills stated that the explosion caused significant damage to multiple buildings, some of which were severely affected, noting that the blast zone spans several blocks. Davis added that the debris was scattered across an area of at least 250 yards in every direction.
Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles bureau said on X that investigators, bomb technicians and an evidence response team responded at the scene, and is working closely with the Palm Springs Police Department. Davis stated at a press conference “make no mistake: this is an intentional act of terrorism,” and confirmed that four individuals were hurt, although no information was given about the severity or nature of their injuries. The identity of the deceased person has not yet been confirmed, nor has their role in the incident been determined. Davis stated that the victim was in close proximity to the car when it detonated. In addition, investigators have identified a person of interest, though Davis clarified that they are not currently pursuing an active suspect.
Sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News that heavily armed officers from multiple agencies were seen outside a residence in Twentynine Palms, roughly an hour from where the explosion occurred, and this development is connected to the Palm Springs incident.
American Reproductive Centers (ARC), which appears to be the clinic in question, posted on Facebook that the vehicle exploded in the parking lot close to its facility, and no staff members were harmed in the incident. ARC assured that its laboratory, which stores vital reproductive materials such as embryos and eggs, was unaffected by the blast: “We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast,” adding that they plan to resume normal operations by Monday morning.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has also been briefed on the incident, she said on X: “we are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.
Editorial credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com