A deadly explosion outside a California fertility clinic is investigated as terrorism

A fatal explosion outside a California fertility clinic Saturday morning is being investigated as an act of terrorism, according to an FBI official.

One person was killed and four were injured in the weekend blast that sent debris flying across multiple blocks in all directions, said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” he said during a Saturday news conference.

Investigators were “not actively out searching for a suspect” but had identified a person of interest, Davis added. He did not say if that person was the one killed in the explosion.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills said the public was not in any more danger. “I also want to make sure that our community understands this is an isolated incident. I am confident that the community is not at risk any longer,” he said.

American Reproductive Centers said Saturday in a post on Facebook that a vehicle had exploded in the parking lot near its Palm Springs facility earlier in the day. The clinic said no staff members were hurt and there was no damage to any of its eggs, embryos and reproductive material.

“This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us,” the post reads. “We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world.”

A firefighter stands at the scene of an explosion in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday.
A firefighter stands at the scene of an explosion in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday. (Eric Thayer | AP)

Davis said the FBI believes the fertility clinic was targeted.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Saturday evening that she had been briefed on the explosion. “We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America,” she said in a post on X. “Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”

Bomb technicians were scouring the blast scene Saturday as part of the ongoing investigation, which was being led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

First responders arrived at the scene around 11 a.m. local time Saturday morning to find a debris field stretching over 250 yards, Davis said. He added that investigators were looking into the possibility that the bombing was live streamed.

 

What’s behind the health care fight that led to the government shutdown

It's Obamacare health insurance prices — and how much help 24 million Americans will get with their premiums — that are in dispute.

Birmingham’s Furnace Fest celebrates big milestone and new beginnings

Twenty-five years ago, Furnace Fest roared from the belly of Birmingham’s historic Sloss Furnaces for the very first time. It's revival returns this weekend.

At least two people have been killed in an attack at a U.K. synagogue

The attack took place outside a synagogue in Manchester. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack "appalling" and "all the more horrific" for taking place on Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day.

VIDEO: Trump’s tariffs, changing markets and what an uncertain economy means for you

Eight months into Trump's second term, it's unclear what the larger impact of these tariffs will have on the economy. Despite that, the president keeps promising to roll out new ones.

In Trump country, a Democrat critiques Trump — and talks of succeeding him

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear about his cross-party appeal in a state that has always overwhelmingly voted for Trump.

Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI

It's not just students, more professors are using AI in the classroom. But they say more guidance is needed on how to use the technology.

More Front Page Coverage