Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills is speaking out following the weekend’s shocking act of terrorism in downtown Palm Springs.
On Saturday morning, Mills was returning home from a game of pickleball when he felt a powerful blast shake his house more than a mile away. Moments later, his phone rang, and he was on his way to the scene.
"I saw a car ripped in half, and that can only mean one thing—it was a car bomb," Mills said during an interview with Fred Roggin. "There was no doubt in my mind."
Mills quickly contacted FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis, who happened to be in town for a conference. Within an hour, both men were standing side by side at the crime scene, coordinating resources and initiating a joint investigation. Mills praised the cooperation of the FBI and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, whose crime lab expedited the DNA testing that confirmed the identity of the suspect.
Though the explosion killed one person—believed to be the perpetrator—four others were injured. Fortunately, Mills said, they were all treated and released the same day. "We’re very grateful the injuries weren’t catastrophic," he said, acknowledging the emotional trauma many may still face.
When asked why he made early statements about Palm Springs rising above this tragedy, Mills was clear: “We can either wallow or we can rise. This is one of the most inclusive, supportive, wonderful communities I’ve ever lived in. And we’re not going to let this define us.”
He emphasized that the investigation is active and comprehensive, with the Joint Terrorism Task Force vetting every possibility—foreign, domestic, and ideological—while local detectives canvassed the area, reviewing surveillance footage to account for the suspect’s movements before the blast.
“Terrorism came knocking,” Mills said. “We survived. And this city will be stronger than ever.”
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By: Fred Roggin
May 19, 2025
