A powerful explosion rocked Palm Springs, California, on Saturday morning, killing one person and injuring at least four others outside the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic.
Authorities said the blast was an intentional act of violence, with the FBI classifying it as an act of terrorism.
The explosion occurred shortly before 11:00 a.m. local time in the parking area adjacent to the clinic, less than a mile from downtown Palm Springs.
The device is believed to have detonated in or near a parked vehicle, causing significant damage to the clinic and several surrounding businesses, including a hotel, a liquor store, and a restaurant.
The force of the blast shattered windows, collapsed parts of the clinic’s roof, and scattered debris across the street.
Eyewitnesses described a loud boom, followed by a cloud of smoke and scenes of chaos as people emerged from nearby shops and homes to assess the damage.
One local resident reported feeling his entire house shake from several blocks away, while another described seeing human remains at the scene.
Authorities confirmed one death at the scene.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, and officials have not stated whether the individual was involved in the attack. Four others sustained injuries, but details about their conditions remain undisclosed.
Dr Maher Abdallah, the clinic’s director, stated that while the office area was damaged, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory and all stored embryos were not affected.
He confirmed that all staff members were safe and accounted for, expressing relief that no patients were present at the time of the explosion.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills and Mayor Ron deHarte both described the incident as a deliberate act of violence.
The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Justice Department are actively investigating, with bomb technicians and federal agents on site.
Authorities have not identified any suspects and have not disclosed a possible motive, though the FBI’s Los Angeles field office stated the clinic was deliberately targeted.
Officials are also investigating reports that the explosion might have been live streamed, but have not released further details.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi have pledged full cooperation with local and federal agencies in the ongoing investigation.
The American Reproductive Centers reassured the public that their laboratory and sensitive materials remain secure, and that a thorough inspection is underway.
