Local & Community
FBI Confirms Bombing Suspect's Manifesto, Military-Grade Device in Palm Springs Terror Attack
Tonight, NBC Palm Springs is learning significant new details in the investigation into the deadly bombing outside a fertility clinic in downtown Palm Springs. In an exclusive interview with our Mary Strong, FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis confirmed for the first time that 25-year-old Guy Bartkus from 29 Palms was the man behind the attack—and that he died in the blast he set off.
Davis revealed that although he happened to be in Palm Springs by coincidence for a charity golf tournament, he was notified of the bombing within minutes by Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills. The explosion, which originated from a silver Ford Fusion in a clinic parking lot, destroyed the building, severely damaged adjacent structures, and was felt blocks away.
“The bomb was a large homemade explosive device, military-grade in terms of power,” said Davis. “It weighed several pounds and was designed to cause maximum destruction.”
FBI investigators also recovered a firearm, ammunition, and multiple components that suggest Bartkus had been preparing for an event of extreme violence. A torch found near the blast site, believed to be used in the assembly or ignition process, is one of many items still being analyzed.
“There were fragments of the device found across rooftops and hotels in the area,” Davis said. “We’re urging the public to continue bringing forward anything unusual they may find. Every piece helps.”
The FBI also confirmed a disturbing manifesto linked to Bartkus through an online site. The writings outline an "antinatalist" belief system—an extreme ideology opposing human reproduction—and detail violent opposition to pro-life causes. The site specifically mentioned targeting a fertility clinic.
“It was highly detailed and dangerous,” Davis said. “It laid out a warped justification for the attack and further confirms the suspect acted alone but with intent.”
While it remains unclear whether Bartkus intended to kill himself in the blast, Davis said the investigation is still analyzing his motives through interviews with family members and digital forensics.
“We’re still speaking with the suspect’s father and acquaintances,” he said. “We are piecing together how this ideology turned into an act of terrorism.”
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continues to lead the investigation with assistance from local authorities. More updates are expected as forensic analysis of the bomb components and digital evidence progresses.
Credit: NBC Palm Springs / CNN Newsource
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By: Mary Strong
May 19, 2025
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