Palm Springs, California – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, as the prime suspect behind the car bombing that rocked a fertility clinic in Palm Springs on Saturday, injuring four bystanders and causing significant damage to the facility. Authorities believe Bartkus died in the blast.
The explosion, which the FBI is investigating as a “deliberate act of terrorism,” targeted the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) clinic. The blast occurred just before 11 a.m., severely damaging the clinic’s building and shattering windows in nearby properties. Fortunately, no clinic staff or patients were injured, and the stored eggs and embryos were reportedly unharmed.
Authorities say Bartkus, a resident of Twentynine Palms, arrived in Palm Springs in a silver 2010 Ford Fusion. Authorities discovered his body near the burned-out remains of the vehicle, and investigators believe the explosion he orchestrated killed him. Evidence found at the scene includes a tripod-mounted camera, suggesting Bartkus attempted to livestream the attack, though no footage has been found online.
Investigators revealed that Bartkus left behind numerous troubling writings expressing radical ideologies, including “pro-mortalist” and “anti-natalist” beliefs. These philosophical views advocate against the continuation of human life, with Bartkus reportedly expressing anger at having been born without consent. A manifesto and a 30-minute audio recording discovered in the investigation echoed these sentiments, with the speaker stating a desire to “sterilize this planet of the disease of life” and railing against in vitro fertilization.
According to U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli, the suspect’s writings were “anti-pro-life” in nature and laced with nihilistic rhetoric. FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis said Bartkus was not previously on the agency’s radar, and there is no known connection to any wider network or group. He emphasized the size of the crime scene, calling it “the largest bombing scene” in Southern California in recent memory, with evidence scattered across hundreds of feet in every direction.
Following the attack, the FBI executed a search warrant at Bartkus’ Twentynine Palms residence, leading to the evacuation of nearby homes. Authorities have urged residents to avoid the area and to report any sightings of the suspect’s vehicle or possession of any debris from the scene.
Although several documents and social media posts claiming to be linked to Bartkus have circulated online, law enforcement has yet to authenticate them. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials ask anyone with relevant information to come forward.
