Dr Maher Abdallah spoke after her fertility clinic was bombed, killing the lone suspect
The Los Angeles Times was informed by Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte that a bomb was responsible for Saturday’s explosion at a fertility clinic close to Desert Regional Medical Center. According to the Times, he could “confirm it was a bomb in or near a vehicle parked at the building,” according to a text message they received. One person died who has now been identified as the suspect by the FBI.
The FBI has now named 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus as the suspect in the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing that killed one and injured five. Authorities said that it was a targeted act of terrorism.
Who is Dr Maher Abdallah, owner of American Reproductive Centres, Palm Springs fertility clinic bombed by suspect Guy Edward Bartkus
At a press conference on Sunday, Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said, “We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary suspect. The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack against the IVF (in vitro fertilisation) facility. Make no mistake. We are treating this … as an intentional act of terrorism.”
Davis also said this was the first time Bartkus had appeared on the FBI’s radar but that he may have had contacts with other law enforcement agencies.
BREAKING: The FBI has officially identified the Palm Springs fertility clinic bomber as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of 29 Palms.
He drove a silver Ford Fusion—loaded with explosives—and detonated it outside a medical center that helps create life.
How is this NOT the top… pic.twitter.com/elpTZ5c0Ki
— Tony Lane 🇺🇸 (@TonyLaneNV) May 18, 2025
The American Reproductive Centres on North Indian Canyon Drive was affected by Saturday’s explosion that rocked Palm Springs.
According to its website, the building is the first and only full-service reproductive center and in vitro fertilization lab in the Coachella Valley.
IVF, male and female fertility evaluation, intrauterine insemination, egg donation, genetic testing, egg freezing, LGBTQ family building, surrogacy resources, and more are among the many fertility options offered by the clinic, which began in 2006.
Guy Edward Bartkus
Website: https://t.co/Ml5Mi94uZ1Here’s his unhinged rant that is completely delusional. pic.twitter.com/J5QOuOUy0y
— counterfudd.pnw (@thirdholepin) May 18, 2025
After the explosion that affected the clinic, a statement was posted on Facebook on Saturday afternoon. A car detonated in the Palm Springs parking lot close to the facility located at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, according to Dr. Maher Abdallah, the owner of the clinic.
Dr. Maher Abdallah has helped more than 2,000 families experience the joy of parenthood. Abdallah is considered one of the “best infertility doctors in America” as rated by US News and World Report and he is double board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility and Obstetrics/Gynecology.
Dr. Abdallah earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College (Biochemistry-Cum Laude) and his M.D from Upstate Medical University at Syracuse, NY and earned his fellowship In Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of Louisville where he was winner of Teaching Fellow Of The Year in 2000.
After fellowship, Dr. Abdallah joined the faculty at the University of Louisville as an assistant professor and medical student clerkship director and is winner of the national American Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) Award in 2005, along with Teacher Of The Year Award at the University of Louisville, Department of OB/GYN, in 2004-2005.
Dr. Abdallah excels at all aspects of reproductive surgery and as a certified robotic surgeon, he enjoys a busy surgical practice.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, told AP that the office area where consultations with patients were held was damaged, but the lab remains secure.
A powerful car explosion bomb ripped through the clinic at Palm Springs CA, damaging building around the block. pic.twitter.com/MJsLtydO5M
— David's Sling (@trutherbotsad) May 18, 2025
The lab, complete with all eggs, embryos, and reproductive supplies, was completely safe and undamaged, and none of the ARC team members were hurt. According to Abdallah, personnel carried out a safety check and verified that the explosion had no effect on sensitive medical areas or activities.
“We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected,” Abdallah said in a statement.
Twentynine Palms, a little city about 35 miles northeast of Palm Springs, was where Edward Bartkus, 25, lived. According to reports, he published an online manifesto declaring himself as a pro-mortalist who holds that humans are created against their will.
FBI said that Bartkus was from 29 Palms and died at the scene and was driving a silver 2010 Ford Fusion.
Bartkus allegedly left behind a 30-minute audio tape in which he described his motivation for the alleged attack, according to BNO News. “I thought I would just record myself stating why I have chosen to bomb an IVF clinic or building,” he stated. “Basically, I’m upset that I’m here and that, you know, no one got my permission to bring me here.”
According to reports, Bartkus tried to videotape the attack by setting up a tripod with a camera, but the video did not post to his website.
In the FAQ section of his website, Bartkus shared that his best friend, Sophie, who held similar beliefs, had recently died after convincing her boyfriend to shoot her in her sleep. “If I recall correctly, we had agreed that if one of us died, the other would probably soon follow,” he wrote.
The death of Sophie Tinney, 27, at Fox Island, Washington, on April 22 seemed to fit Bartkus’ story. Lars Eugene Nelson, 29, her lover, was taken into custody and accused of second-degree murder. Investigators think that while she was asleep, Tinney convinced Nelson to shoot her in the head.
Following the explosion, at least one person is thought to have died. Parts of a car and maybe a person were scattered across Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon roads, according to a local who was on the site.
BREAKING: FBI confirms Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, is dead suspect in Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing pic.twitter.com/2XnTBTYZee
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 18, 2025
When will the fertility clinic re-open?
According to Abdallah, staff members will be on hand to address any issues patients may have once the clinic is “fully operational” on Monday am. He also expressed gratitude to first responders for their work.
“This moment has shaken us but it has not stopped us,” he said.