A powerful explosion ripped through a reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs on Saturday morning, killing one person and injuring at least four others in what the FBI described as an "intentional act of terrorism."
Authorities have identified a person of interest in the investigation and are not actively searching for additional suspects, according to Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. He declined to provide further details but confirmed the fatality occurred near a vehicle that was "blown to pieces" outside the American Reproductive Centers clinic.
The bomb detonated shortly before 11 a.m. local time, either inside or near a parked car outside the facility, Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte said. The blast caused extensive damage to the single-story clinic, tearing a gaping hole in one wall and scattering debris across the surrounding area. Several nearby buildings were also damaged, some severely.
Davis emphasized that the attack was being treated as terrorism, though it remained unclear whether it was linked to international or domestic extremism. He did not comment on any potential connection between the deceased individual and the person of interest.
Video footage from the scene showed the clinic’s shattered exterior, with parts of the roof collapsed and windows blown out. A burned-out vehicle was visible in the parking lot, and debris was strewn across a nearby five-lane road.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident, his office confirmed. Meanwhile, American Reproductive Centers—which operates clinics in multiple California cities and offers services including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic testing—assured patients that all stored eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials remained secure.
Despite significant structural damage, the clinic announced it would resume operations on Monday.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, said in a Facebook post that no staff members were harmed. "The moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us," he wrote.
Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto described the clinic as "a place of hope," adding, "This is a building that people go to to start or expand their families. We acknowledge their pain and concern across the community."
Federal and local authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. A law enforcement official confirmed that an AK-47-style rifle was recovered from the scene, while two other officials, speaking anonymously, said investigators were examining whether the explosion was livestreamed.
The Trump administration condemned the attack, with Attorney General Pam Bondi stating, "Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable."