Suspected Fertility Clinic Bomber Had ‘Anti Pro-Life Manifesto,’ Authorities Say

Authorities have identified the deceased suspect in a vehicle explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, over the weekend, which they are treating as an act of domestic terrorism.

The suspect is Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of nearby Twentynine Palms, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli announced in a Sunday post on X.

“Bartkus is believed to be the individual who is deceased at the scene. Investigators are working to positively identify the remains,” Essayli said. “An anti pro-life manifesto believed to be authored by the suspect has been located and is being examined by the FBI.”

He continued: “We are happy to report that no embryos at the IVF center were damaged by the explosion. This case is being treated as an intentional act of domestic terrorism. The investigation is ongoing.”

Palm Springs Explosion Update:

We can now confirm the identity of the suspect is Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of 29 Palms.

Bartkus is believed to be the individual who is deceased at the scene. Investigators are working to positively identify the remains.

An anti pro-life…

— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) May 18, 2025

A vehicle exploded on Saturday in a parking lot outside of the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) facility, ARC said in post on Facebook. The Los Angeles Times reported that there was “extensive damage” to the ARC clinic and vitro fertilization lab at the location, as well as blown-out windows in buildings blocks away.

While several people were reportedly injured in the blast, ARC said no members of its team were harmed. ARC further shared that all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials remained “fully secure and undamaged” in the lab.

In a post on X, the FBI’s Los Angeles field office said the vehicle in the explosion was a silver Ford Fusion sedan with the plate 8HWS848. The bureau also released a photo of the suspect and requested the public share with it any information or upload any relevant video and images.

The FBI has identified Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of 29 Palms as the primary suspect in the #PalmSprings vehicle explosion. The vehicle was a silver Ford Fusion sedan, plate 8HWS848. Please call 1800 CALLFBI with information or upload relevant video/images at https://t.co/CnxyRN1YIv pic.twitter.com/dYAG26xCYY

— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) May 18, 2025

A search warrant was executed at a location in Twentynine Palms in connection to the explosion, Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said in a press conference. He also stressed that officials did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community despite some residents being evacuated in the area.

Davis additionally mentioned that Bartkus “had nihilistic ideations and this was a targeted attack” against the fertility clinic. He noted later: “We believe he was attempting to livestream it and, yes, that is also part of our investigation.”

ARC said it “will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have,” adding, “We appreciate the incredible support from our patients and local community, as well as the swift action of Palm Springs Police, Fire, and emergency responders.”