A deadly explosion struck near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday morning. The FBI called it an “intentional act of terrorism.” One person died and four others were injured. The blast also damaged nearby buildings.
The explosion happened shortly after 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) on North Indian Canyon Drive. FBI officials said a car exploded near the clinic.
FBI agent Akil Davis confirmed it was an intentional attack and classified it as terrorism. Investigators are still working to find out whether the attacker acted alone or had any connections, either inside or outside the U.S. Authorities have identified one person of interest, but they are not currently looking for any other suspects. They believe the person who died in the explosion may have carried out the attack, although they have not confirmed the individual’s identity yet.
Read more:Â New Wildfire Broke out in Southern California
Clinic Lab Safe as Witnesses Describe Chaos
In a statement shared on social media, the clinic said:
“…Our lab—which includes all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials—is completely secure and intact.”
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews), May 17, 2025
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, said, “Thank God today was a day without patients.” He added that while the consultation offices were damaged, the IVF lab and stored embryos were not harmed.
Witnesses shared disturbing details. People nearby said they heard a loud explosion, saw heavy smoke, and found debris across the road. Another witness said it “felt like a bomb went off.”
View this post on Instagram
Several agencies, including the ATF, are now investigating. California Governor Gavin Newsom and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged full support. The blast has shaken Palm Springs, a city known for wealth, tourism, and healthcare. The attack also renewed focus on the ongoing debate over reproductive health services in the U.S., including IVF and abortion, which often face opposition from religious groups.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates