Explosion at Palm Springs Reproductive Center Results in at Least One Fatality; Authorities label incident as 'Intentional act of terrorism'
Feds call Palm Springs blast 'terrorism'; multiple injured, one dead
Here's what officials have to say after a bomb apparently blew up a car near a reproductive clinic in Palm Springs, California on Saturday.
Investigators from the FBI are delving into the grim scene, suggesting a car bombing took place outside an American Reproductive Centers facility. The blast went off just before 11 a.m. local time, leaving at least four people wounded and claiming one life.
Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI Los Angeles branch, branded the explosion an "intentional act of terrorism."
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Miles referred to the area as a massive crime scene, with debris strewn across multiple blocks. With the assistance of a retired FBI agent and hostage negotiator, Jason Pack, authorities anticipate it could take several days to sift through the wreckage, searching for evidence of explosives and crucial clues.
Pack, in an interview with our website, explained that investigators will scrutinize the blast radius and structural impact to ascertain the power and direction of the explosion. Moreover, they will scour for chemical residues of common explosive materials, such as ammonium nitrate, TATP, RDX, or PETN, as well as fragments, shrapnel and device components to aid in reconstructing the detonation methods.
"Whether this was a single large device or multiple smaller ones, those answers will come from detailed lab testing and scene reconstruction—not just visual assessment," Pack commented.
The American Reproductive Centers issued a statement on their Facebook page, confirming that no staff members were harmed in the blast and that while their building was damaged, the IVF lab-including eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials-remained intact.
"This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building," the company stated. "In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope—because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care. ... This moment has shaken us, but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world."
Various social media posts showed nearby businesses with shattered windows and debris.
As investigations progress and the identity of the deceased is confirmed, officials aim to uncover a potential motive behind the attack. The Center for Reproductive Rights has expressed concerns over potential anti-reproductive rights motives, emphasizing the importance of stronger protections for reproductive health centers.
The Palm Springs Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Desert Regional Medical Center did not immediately respond to our website Digital's requests for comment, while the Riverside County Sheriff's Office stated it is not responding to the incident. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, and Gov. Gavin Newsom have shared their condolences and support for the investigation efforts.
"This latest incident, categorized by the FBI as an 'intentional act of terrorism,' is now being investigated as part of the broader context of war-and-conflicts and politics, given its occurrence outside an American reproductive clinic. The tragic blast, resulting in multiple injuries and one death, is being closely examined by investigators, particularly in relation to crime-and-justice, as they search for evidence of explosives and attempt to uncover the potential motive behind the attack."
"As the situation unfolds, with authorities anticipating it may take several days to sift through the wreckage, the general news landscape is beginning to shift its focus towards this breaking news story, emphasizing the importance of the investigation's findings and their potential implications for the protection of reproductive health centers."
