A SUSPECT has been named in the explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs that left one dead and four injured after FBI confirmed terror link.
Guy Edward Bartkus, 25 is believed to have targeted The American Reproductive Services clinic in California with a bomb just before 11am on Saturday, officials have said in a press conference.
“We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary suspect,” said Akil Davis, assistant director at the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, told reporters, adding that the agency is working to confirm that he is the person who died in the blast.
“We believe he was the subject found by the vehicle,” he continued.
“The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility.
“Make no mistake. We are treating this… as an intentional act of terrorism.”
Davis added that the resident of Twentynine Palms – roughly an hour’s drive from Palm Springs where a property was searched on Saturday afternoon had not been known to the FBI.
The clinic confirmed that none of its patients or staff were harmed in the blast that was caused by the bomb inside his 2010 Ford Fusion sedan where a AK-47 and an AR-Style rifle was also found, the LA Times reported.
While the fertility center was left in ruin, the IVF lab and embryos were undamaged.
On Saturday evening, officials revealed the motive behind the attack is believed to be anti-natalist ideology,
Those who identify as anti-natalist are against anyone having children as it is against the child’s will.
The FBI is investigating Bartkus’ “pro-mortalist” writings and recordings that reflected such views.
He allegedly had pro-death manifestos and was against bringing people into the world without their consent and being unable to spare them from future suffering, according to CBS affiliate KCAL.
Bartkus allegedly explained that wanting to bring on your own death was “to prevent your future suffering, and, more importantly, the suffering your existence will cause to all the other sentient beings.”
There was also allegedly a 30-minute recording about why he “decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic.”
“I figured I would just make a recording explaining why I’ve decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic,” he said, per the Daily Mail.
Full statement from the American Reproductive Centers of Palm Springs:
“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.
“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.”
“Basically, it just comes down to I’m angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here.”
He was allegedly “angry” at all IVF centers saying, “These are people who are having kids after they’ve sat there and thought about it.
“How much more stupid can it get?”
Officials also revealed that Bartkus had attempted to live stream the attack which failed to upload online.
Dr. Maher Abdallah who runs the fertility clinic said the timing of the explosion prevented mass injuries and fatalities.
“Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients,” he said on Saturday.
“Good guys one, bad guys zero,” Davis added.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills told reporters that “terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs. We survived, and I can tell you that this city will rise.”
Davis confirmed it is “the largest bombing investigations in Southern California”.
‘SHAKEN TO THE CORE’
Shocking footage from the scene showed debris and broken glass strewn over the street in front of the obliterated building.
The blast also shattered the windows of nearby buildings and was reportedly heard as far away as Desert Hot Springs.
Smoke was reportedly visible across the Palm Springs area, with residents complaining of a strange odor following the blast.
Horrified residents posted about the explosion on social media, with some even claiming they had spotted “body parts” at the scene.
Footage from the scene showed black smoke coming from the clinic as firefighters rushed to extinguish the blast.
Terrified onlookers could also be seen staring in disbelief at the rubble-filled street with debris spanning over 250 yards.
Palm Springs resident Matt Spencer told the Desert Sun that he saw the front of the clinic being blown across the street and into the parking lot.
He added that he saw the rear axle of a vehicle burning behind the building.
Claudio Chavez who owns an upholstery shop in the area told The New York Post: “It definitely felt like an explosion. It was so loud it felt like it shook my entire core.
“I was inside my business waiting for a client. I was sitting in my chair and it was like suddenly like a bomb went off.
“Inside I just saw pieces of debris fall from the ceiling.
“I walked outside and saw my front window had totally shattered.
“Half of one building seemed to have been blown off.”
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/14261609/palm-springs-ivf-car-bomb-kills-one/
