The 25-year-old man whom authorities believe detonated the car bomb that caused massive damage to a Palm Springs fertility clinic, killing himself and injuring several other people, was motivated by disdain for families and child birth in general, the FBI announced Friday.
“The Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation indicates that Guy Edward Bartkus had ideations of attacking clinics in the past and had anti-natalist beliefs,” the agency stated Friday. “(The anti-natalist position) is that it’s morally wrong or unjustifiable to have children. Anti-natalists base their views on a variety of concerns, including human suffering, consent, overpopulation and the environment.”
Federal agents are digging deeper into Bartkus’ background, probing “multiple online posts and audio recordings … where he had expressed these views,” according to the FBI.
“Evidence indicates the explosion targeting the American Reproductive Centers was premeditated and that the attack was an intentional act of terrorism,” the bureau said, noting Bartkus “had access to a large quantity of commercially available chemical products which could be combined to create a home-made explosive device.”
The specific type used in the attack wasn’t named.
The Twentynine Palms man was killed when the explosion went off shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday in front of the fertility clinic at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive. Embryos and other lab-preserved endowments are maintained at the clinic, which sustained extensive damage. There was additionally collateral damage to several buildings in the immediate vicinity, according to the FBI.
Four people were hurt, but there were no reports of life-threatening injuries.
Despite the blast, clinic staff and first responders reacted quickly, reportedly saving most of the eggs used for in-vitro treatments.
Palm Springs Fire Department personnel discovered remains in the blown out 2010 Ford Fusion that had been parked adjacent to the clinic. Investigators soon confirmed Bartkus’ identity.
“A weapon and ammunition were found near the wreckage of the vehicle,” the FBI stated. “A tripod and a cellphone equipped with a camera were also found near the scene, suggesting Bartkus attempted to livestream the attack. Investigators are working to determine whether the suspected livestream was successful, but to date have found no evidence to confirm this.”
Agents retraced the man’s actions that morning, determining he left his home around 6 a.m. and was in Palm Springs for several hours before going to the clinic. It’s unclear what he was doing.
On Thursday, city officials joined the clinic’s operators in announcing expedited moves to keep the business running, relying on assistance from Desert Regional Medical Center and other facilities until a new building is built.
“As a city, we will continue to work closely with Dr. Maheer Abdallah to do whatever it takes to make the transition as seamless as possible to provide immediate care to your patients,” Councilwoman Naomi Soto said. “Their work creates our future residents, our future neighbors, our future community members.”
Anyone with information about Bartkus, the bombing or other relevant details was urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324, or online at tips.fbi.gov.