FBI labels deadly Palm Springs clinic blast a terror attack

A deadly explosion that rocked a fertility clinic in Palm Springs has been declared an “intentional act of terrorism” by the FBI, raising alarm over ideologically driven violence targeting reproductive healthcare in the United States.

The blast, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on May 17 near the American Reproductive Centers facility, claimed one life and caused severe damage to multiple buildings in the area. Authorities believe the deceased was the suspected perpetrator, though official identification is still pending.

"This was an intentional act of terrorism," said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, at a Sunday press conference. While he declined to elaborate on the motive, law enforcement sources told the Associated Press that the suspect appeared to be documenting the explosion — either recording or livestreaming it — when the device detonated prematurely.

According to those familiar with the investigation, the suspect left behind writings suggesting a deeply anti-natalist ideology — asserting that “the world should not be populated.”

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills called the incident “an intentional act of violence,” confirming that a bomb detonated either inside or near a vehicle parked outside the clinic. Footage from the scene showed the charred remains of the car lodged behind the clinic building.

The fertility center, run by Dr. Maher Abdallah, suffered damage to its offices but miraculously avoided catastrophic loss—its IVF laboratory and cryogenically preserved embryos were left intact.

“I really have no clue what happened,” said Dr. Abdallah. “Thank God today was a day with no patients. All my staff are safe.”

Nearby resident Nima Tabrizi, 37, described the terrifying moment the explosion hit while he was inside a nearby cannabis dispensary.

“The building just shook, and we go outside and there’s a massive cloud of smoke,” Tabrizi recounted. “Crazy explosion. It felt like a bomb went off … We went up to the scene, and we saw human remains.”

Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting local police and the FBI in securing the area and combing through debris for evidence. Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado confirmed no other suspects had been identified at this stage.

Mayor Ron deHarte expressed shock at the incident, stating that Palm Springs — better known for its luxury resorts and celebrity hideaways—has “never seen anything like this.”

Authorities are urging the public to avoid the blast site near North Indian Canyon Drive and East Tachevah Drive while the investigation continues. The motives behind the attack, while partially illuminated by extremist writings, remain under intense scrutiny.