The City of Palm Springs is still reeling from a shocking act of violence that occurred outside a fertility clinic on Sunday.
An explosion was reported outside the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) on North Indian Canyon Drive at around 11 am. Authorities arrived to find a detonated vehicle with the suspect dead inside. The blast destroyed a building, ignited a fire, shattered windows, and sent debris flying across more than 250 yards. It forced the closure of several streets near the clinic. At least four people were injured.
It was “probably one of the largest bombing investigations that we've had in Southern California," said Akil Davis with the FBI.
The bureau has officially declared the bombing “an intentional act of terrorism."
The suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms. The man left behind a video manifesto which describes his nihilistic views and opposition to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
“Basically, it just comes down to I’m angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here,” the self-described “pro-mortalist” said according to a report from BNO News.
“I’m very against [IVF], it’s extremely wrong. These are people who are having kids after they’ve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get?”
In a statement, the clinic said all staff and employees are safe. No eggs or embryos were damaged during the explosion. Authorities have said there is no remaining threat to the public.
Read more at Reuters.