An explosion that occurred Saturday morning outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, has been declared an “intentional act of terrorism” by federal authorities.
The blast claimed the life of one person, injured four others, and caused widespread damage to buildings near North Indian Canyon Drive, home to several healthcare facilities including American Reproductive Centers, a local IVF clinic.
What We Know So Far
The explosion happened just before 11 a.m. PT and originated from a vehicle parked outside the clinic, according to Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills. The FBI, ATF, and other federal agencies are assisting in what is being described as one of Southern California’s largest bombing investigations in years.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” said FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis during a press conference.
The identity of the person killed in the blast has not yet been made public. Four others were injured, though none are believed to be staff members of the fertility clinic.
Blast Damage and Evacuations
Authorities confirmed that the blast radius extended approximately 250 feet, damaging several nearby structures and prompting the evacuation of areas within and outside of Palm Springs, including parts of Twentynine Palms, about 50 miles away. The FBI referred to this secondary location as having ongoing “investigative activity.”
Homes were evacuated between:
- Highway 62 (south)
- Amboy Road (north)
- Bullion Avenue (west)
- Utah Trail (east)
San Bernardino County deputies and SWAT teams assisted in clearing the area as a precaution, referring to it as a potential “blast zone.”
Emergency Response and Clinic Update
Firefighters arrived within a minute, according to Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado, and were able to contain the fire before retreating due to a partial roof collapse.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, head of American Reproductive Centers, confirmed that clinic staff and IVF embryos were unharmed. The lab remained intact, and emergency protocols ensured patient safety.
“My biggest concern was obviously my staff and the embryos we have in storage,” Dr. Abdallah told CBS News. “Fortunately… the embryos are safe.”
The center posted on Facebook:
“A vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building.”
Community Impact and Witness Accounts
People in the area described hearing a massive boom and feeling the ground shake. Some initially thought it was an aircraft crash. Guests at the Skylark Hotel, just 500 yards away, said the windows rattled.
Nearby, Palm Springs’ downtown district — a weekend hotspot filled with shops and restaurants — was cordoned off. The clinic is also steps from Desert Regional Medical Center and the city’s historic Movie Colony neighborhood.
Government Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had been briefed and condemned the attack as “unforgivable violence”. She emphasized the federal government’s commitment to protecting women’s healthcare spaces.
“The Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America,” she said. “Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed concern and confirmed that state agencies are assisting in the investigation.
“Jen and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Investigation Status
As of Saturday night, a person of interest has been identified, according to the FBI, but no ongoing threat to the public has been confirmed. Authorities urged the public to avoid touching any debris and report anything unusual to investigators.
Law enforcement has not yet released a motive, and no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion. The FBI confirmed the area will remain an active crime scene overnight and possibly into the week.