One killed in Palm Springs clinic explosion, FBI calls it 'terrorism'
4 Min Read
A deadly explosion that killed at least one person outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic is being investigated by the FBI as an "act of terrorism."
-
Debris is seen outside a damaged American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic after a bomb blast outside the building in Palm Springs, California, on May 17, 2025 (AFP)
A fatal Palm Springs car explosion occurred outside the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) facility on Saturday morning, resulting in the death of at least one person, according to local authorities in California.
The blast, which took place shortly before 11 am, originated from a vehicle parked near the reproductive clinic in the city of Palm Springs. The incident caused significant structural damage to the facility but spared its IVF lab and stored embryos.
FBI labels incident as 'terrorism'
In a late-day briefing, the FBI described the explosion as an “intentional act of terrorism,” confirming that the fertility clinic had been deliberately targeted. Authorities have not disclosed how they reached that conclusion, nor have they released details on the suspected motive.
Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, stated that law enforcement has identified a person of interest. “Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Davis said.
He added that investigators are not searching for additional suspects and noted that the deceased was located near the vehicle that exploded.
Read more: Ex-FBI chief meets Secret Service over contentious '86 47' Insta post
Details on the explosion and casualty
Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte confirmed that the Palm Springs explosion victim was found close to the blast site in the parking lot behind the ARC facility. Aerial images show the charred remains of the car and damage to the surrounding area.
Local reports indicate the explosion could be felt up to 3 kilometers (2 miles) away. Witnesses described a loud, ground-shaking detonation, followed by plumes of smoke rising from the site.
Nima Tabrizi, a bystander from Santa Monica, said, “The building just shook, and we go outside and there’s massive cloud smoke."
"Crazy explosion. It felt like a bomb went off ... We went up to the scene, and we saw human remains.”
Damage to clinic, staff safety
The fertility clinic bombing affected the office space used for consultations, but the IVF lab remained unharmed. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who oversees operations at the ARC Palm Springs explosion site, confirmed that all staff were safe and accounted for.
“I really have no clue what happened,” Abdallah told the Associated Press. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.”
In a statement shared on social media, ARC expressed sorrow over the loss of life and assured the public that the clinic will be “fully operational on Monday morning.”
Community, government response
California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the California clinic attack on X, writing, “Jen [his wife] and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds.”
US Attorney Bill Essayli also addressed the incident, stating, “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.”
Video footage posted online showed severe exterior damage at the facility, while emergency responders secured the area and began investigations.
Palm Springs, a resort town located two hours east of Los Angeles, is known for its luxury lifestyle and history of celebrity residents.
Read more: Explosion destroys building at Northrop Grumman rocket site in Utah
