City officials and others Thursday expressed optimism regarding the future of the Palm Springs fertility clinic that was targeted in what authorities have described as an act of domestic terrorism, vowing the clinic will go on and acknowledging the outpouring of community support in the wake of the bombing.
“Our clinic, where hope is nurtured and futures begin, was the target of a senseless and destructive act,” Amer Abdallah, a representative for the American Reproductive Centers, said at a news conference. “Today, we reaffirm our mission to provide the highest-quality fertility care in a safe and compassionate environment, with the highest level of quality, integrity and service. We believe in miracles, we witness it every day.”
Adballah revealed that his cousin and head doctor of the clinic, Dr. Maher Abdallah, narrowly escaped the explosion Saturday, as he originally had a meeting inside his office but relocated it to a different location.
“The swift courage and response from our police and fire was nothing short of miraculous,” said Mayor Ron deHarte.
The clinic, at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, was hit with a deadly bombing Saturday morning, in which the bomber died. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms was identified as the suspect killed in the explosion and believed to have authored an “anti pro-life manifesto.”
“As a city, we will continue to work closely with Dr. Abdallah to do whatever it takes to make the transition as seamless as possible to provide immediate care to your patients, said Councilwoman Naomi Soto. “Their work creates our future residents, our future neighbors, our future community members.”
She said, “This weekend, hate failed; this week, hope wins.”
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said the investigation was ongoing.