One person died and at least four other people were injured after a vehicle exploded outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday morning, in what the FBI called an “intentional act of terrorism.”
The explosion broke windows and rained debris for blocks.
“Do not be mistaken, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Akil Davis told journalists, deputy director in charge of the FBI Angels Field Office during a press conference on Saturday night. He said the researchers believe that the clinic was attacked.
On this screen, a video grip, the rubble cover the street after an explosion in Palm Springs, California, on May 17, 2025.
Kabc
The person who was killed was close to the vehicle involved in the explosion, Davis said. However, he said that the authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the person who died and refused to say if the person who died is the suspect in the explosion.
“We are not prepared to comment that right now,” Davis said. “We are not prepared to provide any additional comments on the relationship between the deceased and our person of interest.”
In response to a question of a reporter later, Davis said: “We have a person of interest in this investigation, but we are not actively looking for a suspect.”
The clear images show that the undulating smoke and firefighters that respond to the consequences of a possible explosion in Palm Springs, California.
@_NIMASWORLD/X.
Previously, a source of application of the law told ABC News that researchers believe that the person who died is the suspect of the explosion.
The explosion in the block 1300 of Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs occurred around 11 am local time, balancing nearby buildings and causing a fire and the collapse of a building, according to the authorities. The rubble field covered more than 250 yards.
Following the explosion, the authorities closed several streets and urged residents to stay away while researchers were looking for any other explosive device.
“We have a quick evolution investigation with a massive crime scene,” said Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills, journalists during the afternoon press conference. “Our first priority was to guarantee the security of our community. And we were very concerned about secondary devices, that we spent a lot of time and effort working with the office, as well as the Sheriff’s office, cleaning the entire neighborhood, making sure that there was nothing that could damage our citizens more.”
He added: “A meticulous effort will be needed to make sure we get all the tests.”
FBI bomb technicians are now working to determine the origin of the explosion.
On this video of a video, the first responders are shown in the scene of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, on May 17, 2025.
Kabc
Davis, with the FBI, said that the explosion was “probably one of the largest bombing investigations we have had in southern California”, comparing it with the bombing in 2018 of a spa of the day of the old alder that killed a person and seriously injured two other people.
The researchers registered a property on Twentynine Palms on Saturday afternoon that was believed to be related to the suspect, sources said with knowledge of the investigation. However, during the press conference, Davis said he could not comment on whether the search was related to research on the explosion.
Mills, the police chief, said he is sad for what he called “an attack on our city,” but said he also has hopes.
“Terrorism knocked on the door of Palm Springs. We survive and I can tell him that this city will rise,” he said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement about X that claimed that he had been informed about the situation.
“Federal agents are now responding together with the Local Police. We are working to learn more,” he said, and added, “violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
The clear images show that the undulating smoke and firefighters that respond to the consequences of a possible explosion in Palm Springs, California.
Luis Roman Vlog
The fertility clinic near the explosion, the American Palm Springs reproductive centers, said in a statement that the members of their staff, as well as eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, were unharmed in the explosion.
“This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facilities when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building. We are disconsolate to know that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences are with the affected people and families,” said the arch in a statement.
“ARC will be completely operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns it may have. We appreciate the incredible support of our patients and the local community, as well as the rapid action of the Palm Springs police, fires and emergency responders. This moment has shaken us, but it has not stopped us. We will continue with strength, love and the hope that this is a new life in the world, arc.
On this video of a video, the first responders are shown in the scene of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, on May 17, 2025.
Kabc
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, was also informed about the explosion.
“The State, through [California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services]He coordinates with local and federal authorities to support the answer, “said Newsom’s office in a statement.
In addition to the FBI, the ATF said it is also sending resources to Palm Springs to help, including bomb technicians and fire researchers.
-ABC News’ Jack Date, Alexander Mallin and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
