The FBI has identified Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, California, as the primary suspect in a bombing that targeted a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California on May 17, 2025. The explosion damaged several blocks of downtown Palm Springs and claimed Bartkus’ life, according to federal investigators.
Authorities confirmed on May 18, 2025, that Bartkus had “nihilistic ideations” and deliberately targeted the American Reproductive Centers clinic, an in vitro fertilization (IVF) facility. The FBI has classified the incident as “an intentional act of terrorism” and is continuing to investigate writings potentially connected to the attack.
Federal agents are examining a website promoting anti-natalist views, which features an audio recording of a man expressing intentions to bomb an IVF clinic due to anger about his own existence. Three sources familiar with the investigation indicated that authorities are working to verify whether Bartkus made these statements.
Richard Bartkus, 75, the suspect’s father, believes the voice on the recording belongs to his son. Speaking from his home in Yucca Valley, California, the elder Bartkus stated that he had not seen his son in approximately ten years and had no knowledge of his son holding such extreme views. He expressed shock upon receiving a text message on May 17 informing him that his son was implicated in the bombing.
FBI officials indicated they are not actively searching for additional suspects in connection with the case and assured the public there is no ongoing threat related to this attack. Four people suffered injuries in the blast but have since been released from medical care.
The explosion resulted from what investigators describe as a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Bartkus allegedly detonated explosives placed inside a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan parked near the fertility clinic. The blast caused significant damage to surrounding buildings, though clinic officials confirmed that all eggs, embryos, and other reproductive materials in the laboratory remained secure and undamaged.
Law enforcement has executed a search warrant at Bartkus’ residence in Twentynine Palms, located approximately 60 miles east of Palm Springs. Investigators were concerned about the potential presence of additional explosive materials at the home.
According to Richard Bartkus, his son displayed interest in creating harmless devices like smoke bombs during childhood, but never anything dangerous. “After Twentynine Palms he just changed,” the father noted, expressing confusion about what might have altered his son’s mindset.
When the father said that after Twentynine Palms he just changed, he’s likely referring to either when his son moved to that city or potentially to an experience his son had while living there. The city was the suspect’s place of residence at the time of the bombing.
Investigators believe the attack was motivated by anti-natalist beliefs, a philosophical position opposing human procreation. Experts suggest this ideology can appeal to socially isolated young men seeking an institutional framework for personal grievances.
The FBI’s Southern California field office characterized the bombing site as one of the largest bombing crime scenes in the region’s history. Agents are collecting evidence, including fragments of the exploded vehicle, and have received hundreds of tips from the public.
Federal investigators indicated Bartkus may have attempted to live-stream the attack. They are working to establish a timeline of his movements before the explosion and have requested public assistance in tracking his activities preceding the incident.
Attorney General William Barr condemned the attack as unforgivable, and FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the rapid response by local and federal authorities.
The bombing has raised concerns about the safety and accessibility of assisted reproductive technologies, which have become increasingly politicized following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Some groups have expressed opposition to assisted reproductive technologies on religious or moral grounds.
The American Reproductive Centers clinic offers services including in vitro fertilization, egg freezing, and family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals. Clinic administrators have indicated they will continue providing these essential services despite the attack.
