Daijiworld Media Network – California
California, May 18: A deadly car bombing outside a fertility clinic in California that left one dead and four injured is now being investigated as an act of terrorism, with authorities pointing to anti-natalist extremism as the possible motive behind the attack.
Senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that the suspected bomber, believed to be a 25-year-old man from Twentynine Palms, may have been driven by anti-natalist ideology—a belief that humans should not procreate. The suspect reportedly expressed his views through social media posts and a 30-minute audio recording, which investigators say align with anti-natalist principles. Authorities are in the process of verifying the material.
The explosion occurred around 11 a.m. outside American Reproductive Centers (ARC), a fertility clinic located on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The powerful blast damaged nearby buildings and businesses within a 250-yard radius, and was reportedly felt miles away.
“We are treating this as a terrorism investigation,” said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. “This is likely one of the largest bombing investigations in Southern California that the FBI has handled.”
The suspect, whose identity has not been released due to the condition of the body post-blast, is believed to have struggled with depression and personal issues, sources said. Investigators suspect he authored an online forum post earlier this month where he contemplated suicide using an explosive device. Authorities are also examining a YouTube channel linked to him, which featured homemade explosive experiments.
On Saturday, law enforcement tactical units were seen at a residence in Twentynine Palms, believed to be connected to the bombing. The FBI, along with Palm Springs Police, is conducting an intensive forensic examination of the scene and reviewing surrounding CCTV footage.
The ARC clinic confirmed the explosion in a Facebook post and noted the blast took place in the parking lot near its facility. The extent of injuries to the four survivors has not been disclosed.
Despite the severity of the incident, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said there is no ongoing threat. “I am confident that the community is not at risk any longer,” Mills assured on Saturday.
The bombing has sparked widespread concern over ideologically motivated violence targeting reproductive healthcare. Investigators are continuing to question the suspect’s associates and review digital traces in what has become a rapidly intensifying probe.