FBI calls blast near fertility clinic ‘terrorism’ (VIDEO)

A suspected car bomb outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, killed the suspected perpetrator and injured four others. The FBI has classified the explosion as an intentional act of terrorism.

The blast occurred around 11 a.m. local time outside the American Reproductive Centers clinic, which offers various fertility services, including in vitro fertilization and egg freezing.

The explosion damaged the single-story facility and nearby buildings. Debris was scattered across a 250-yard (228m) radius, with windows shattered up to five blocks away, according to the Los Angeles Times. Palm Springs officials said the explosion appeared to originate from a vehicle parked outside the clinic.

Photos and videos from the scene showed severe structural damage, including a collapsed roof and shattered facade. A burned-out vehicle was visible behind the clinic, and the force of the blast was reportedly felt more than two miles away. The FBI confirmed that the damage extended across “several blocks.”

“This is an intentional act of terrorism. The FBI is investigating it as such,” said Akil Davis, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office.

An internal LAPD briefing reviewed by The LA Times identified the deceased as the suspected perpetrator. Two rifles – an AK-47 and an AR-style weapon – along with ammunition were reportedly found near the destroyed vehicle.

The clinic was closed for the weekend, and no patients were present at the time of the explosion. Dr. Maher Abdallah, its head, told CBS News he had received a call informing him that a powerful blast had destroyed “a couple of our buildings.”

Abdallah confirmed that all staff members were unharmed and the IVF lab remained intact. The embryos were safe and unaffected by the explosion, he said.

The deceased suspect was later identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, according to the FBI. Officials say Bartkus left behind writings and recordings in which he described himself as a “pro-mortalist.”

In one text, he defined the term as someone who seeks to end their own life to avoid future suffering and, more significantly, to prevent the harm their existence may cause to other sentient beings.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills stated the attack appeared to be isolated and that there was no ongoing threat to the community. The FBI and local authorities are continuing their investigation to determine a motive. No other suspects are currently being sought.