A powerful bomb exploded on Saturday near a reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs, California, killing one person and injuring at least four others in what the FBI has classified as an “intentional act of terrorism.”
Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, told reporters that authorities have identified a person of interest in the investigation and are not actively searching for any suspects at this time. However, further details regarding the individual have not been disclosed.
The blast occurred just before 11 a.m. local time outside the clinic operated by American Reproductive Centres (ARC), causing significant damage. The victim who lost their life was found near a vehicle that was blown to pieces in front of the clinic, according to Davis.
Mayor Ron deHarte of Palm Springs, located approximately 100 miles east of Los Angeles, said the bomb was either placed in or near the parked vehicle before detonating. The explosion caused a large hole in the single-story clinic building and inflicted damage on surrounding structures in the area.
Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident, his office confirmed, as emergency services continue to manage the situation.
American Reproductive Centres, which operates multiple facilities across California, provides services such as in vitro fertilisation, genetic testing, and egg donation. Despite the blast and property damage, ARC assured the public that its Palm Springs clinic would be fully operational from Monday. The clinic's laboratory, including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials, remained unharmed, and staff members were safe.
Dr Maher Abdallah, director of the clinic, expressed resilience in a Facebook statement, saying, “The moment has shaken us — but it has not stopped us.”
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