Twentynine Palms man identified as ‘primary suspect’ in Palm Springs explosion
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - FBI investigators identified a Twentynine Palms man as the "primary suspect" in a deadly Palm Springs explosion that authorities called an "intentional act of terrorism."
FBI officials say they are "fairly confident" that 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms was responsible for Saturday's bombing. Bartkus was killed in the blast, which happened just before 11 a.m. near American Reproductive Centers on the 1100 block of N Indian Canyon, near E Tachevah Drive
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
“We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary subject, our primary suspect, a person of interest,” Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, added that the suspect was not previously known to the FBI.
Road Closure Updates/Resource List from City of Palm Springs
Davis said Bartkus was driving a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan with license number 8hws848.
"That's critical because we need the public's help in identifying the gaps in our investigation,'' Davis said. "We know where Mr. Bartkus was at about 6 a.m. We know the timeline of when he entered the city; however, we need the public's help for identifying where he traversed within the city before the explosion."
Several neighborhoods in Twentynine Palms were evacuated on Saturday due to a potential blast zone.
"Make no mistake. This is an intentional act of terrorism,'' Davis said in a news conference on Saturday. "This is one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California."
On Sunday, Davis went a step further, saying: "This is probably the largest bombing scene that we've had in Southern California. This does eclipse the bombing matter in Aliso Viejo (at a day spa in 2018); it's that big. For reference, to throw pieces of vehicle hundreds of feet in the air, and several blocks away, you can use your imagination how big that bomb device was."
"This is an isolated incident,'' Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills in a news conference on Saturday. "The community is not at risk any longer."
Multiple media reports suggest that Bartkus was motivated by an intense opposition to in vitro fertilization.
"Officials are also aware of a rambling audio recording posted online in which a man describes his intention to attack an in vitro fertilization clinic, and they are working to determine whether it is associated with the incident,'' CNN reported, citing an unnamed law enforcement source.
"In the oftentimes incoherent audio message, the speaker discusses various grievances about his life, but the specific connection to IVF is unclear," according to CNN.
Other media reports said the speaker on the recording described himself as anti-life, or pro-mortalist.
Davis said Sunday that "the suspect had nihilistic ideations."
The FBI also said officials believe Bartkus was trying to live-stream the attack, but failed.
Asst Director Davis confirmed the FBI is investigating the Palm Springs explosion as an act of #terrorism being investigated by the #JTTF. There is no known threat to public safety at this time. Call 1800 CALLFBI or visit https://t.co/a8bqmmwqXT with info. Check here for updates. pic.twitter.com/xU8G2IWRys
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) May 18, 2025
Four people were injured in the explosion. Desert Regional Medical Center confirmed on Sunday that the patients who were treated at its hospital have since been released. There was no word on how many patients were taken to DRMC.
“Desert Regional Medical Center is grateful to the emergency services agencies who quickly responded to the explosion that took place on Saturday. The injured who were taken to Desert Regional on Saturday have been treated and released from the hospital. Our thoughts go out to the families impacted by this tragic incident. Desert Regional remains open to care for our community,” reads a statement by DRMC officials.
Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte told the Los Angeles Times he could "confirm it was a bomb in or near a vehicle parked at the building."
The FBI and ATF have responded to the scene. Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a statement that it "appears to be an intentional act of violence."
Statement by Chief Mills:
"@PSPD is working in a unified command for an explosion at 1199 North Indian Canyon. The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence and the blast field extends for blocks with several buildings damaged-some severely. Asst Director Davis of the FBI is onscene working closely with PSPD. The agents and officers on scene will make a determination as to who takes the investigative lead. There has been one fatality, the person’s identiy is not known. If residents find potential evidence, leave it in place and call the non-emergency number. Agents or officers will collect the evidence. Our first priority is to make the scene safe for our community. Thanks for your patience. The incident appears to be isolated."
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, posted a message on social media saying the facility's office space was damaged, but the lab was untouched. He confirmed that no employees of the clinic were injured.
Abdallah said "a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building."
We. Choose. Hope.
This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building.
We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected.
We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our lab—including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials—remains fully secure and undamaged. We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast.
Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is. In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope—because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care.
Out of every tragedy, there is an opportunity to come together with deeper purpose. While today’s events have shaken us all, they also shine a light on the strength of our community, the bravery of our first responders, and the resilience of the families we serve.
At ARC, we believe in creating life—not just in the biological sense, but in the emotional and spiritual sense, too. We see this moment as a reminder to hold loved ones close, to show kindness whenever possible, and to continue our work with even more intention and heart. From adversity, we choose hope.
ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have. 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.
This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr Abdallah & Your ARC Family
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted a message on X saying, "We are aware of the explosion that occurred this morning in Palm Springs. FBI is on scene and will be investigating whether this was an intentional act. We will release as much information as possible once we are able to confirm details."
The FBI posted that it "is responding with police and fire partners to the scene of an explosion on N. Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. FBI assets being deployed include investigators, bomb technicians and an evidence response team. Please contact local authorities for safety precautions in the area."
Nicole Lozano, spokeswoman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Los Angeles, said ATF personnel were en route to the scene of the explosion.
"We have no solid information at this point and don't want to speculate,'' she said. "Once we get our agents there, we will be better prepared to respond to questions."
Several viewers reported hearing a loud explosion throughout the area.
Authorities request that residents stay away from the area so that emergency crews can work on the incident.
Images from viewers shows damage at several nearby buildings, including Desert Regional Medical Center, Denny's, and Palm Springs Liquor.
Officials from DRMC issued a statement on Saturday confirming that the emergency department remained open and the hospital is fully operational.
“On Saturday morning an explosion occurred at an unaffiliated office building across the street from Desert Regional Medical Center. Hospital staff is cooperating with police as they investigate the cause. Our emergency department remains open and our hospital is fully operational. We are temporarily asking visitors to refrain from coming to the hospital as police have limited access to the road in front of our campus. Some windows were broken in a medical office building directly facing the explosion. Hospital operations have not been affected.”
- Statement from DRMC
City officials said the main entrance to Desert Regional can be accessed on Paseo El Mirador from Via Miraleste. If access to the Emergency Room is needed, emergency personnel will be at Tachevah and Via Miraleste to facilitate.
The Governor's office issued a statement that Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation:
"I’ve been briefed on the explosion near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. Jen and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
.@CAGovernor Newsom has been briefed on the explosion at a health facility in Palm Springs.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) May 17, 2025
The state, through @Cal_OES, is coordinating with local and federal authorities to support the response.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
