Online messages purported to be linked to the alleged suspect responsible for a bomb attack in Palm Springs, California, are circulating on social media. Both their legitimacy and the identity of the suspect have not been verified.
The Context
At around 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, a bomb exploded outside a California fertility clinic, killing one person and injuring four others.
Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte told CBS News that the source of the explosion “was in or near” a vehicle and a witness said he saw a tripod in the car park by the explosion, set up as if it was set to film or stream the explosion.
The incident took place near several businesses, including the American Reproductive Centers (ARC), which offers services including fertility evaluations, egg freezing and surrogacy.
The FBI said the attack was an “intentional act of terrorism” that targeted the clinic. They added that they had a suspect, who had been killed in the blast, but did not name them.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a statement Saturday: “There has been one fatality, the person’s identity is not known.”
The Twentynine Palms neighborhood, an hour away from the scene, was evacuated but the FBI said they could not comment on whether this evacuation was connected to the Palm Springs attack.
What To Know
According to The Associated Press, which cited an unnamed law enforcement official, the person believed to be responsible for the attack posted online writings and attempted to record video or stream the attack.
Meanwhile, some social media users circulated what they claimed was a manifesto posted by the bomber which shared pro-mortalist ideas.
Pro-mortalism or anti-natalism is the belief that it is better for people to die to prevent endured suffering than to continue living.
It also shared a belief in efilism, which is similarly anti-natalist
The alleged manifesto, seen by Newsweek, did not offer any views about political parties or address other topics.
The AP also said the writings it found, alleged to be linked to the suspect, communicated a view that the world should not be populated.
Social media users also speculated about the identity of the individual responsible for the bombing, though law enforcement has not confirmed this or verified the veracity of the so-called manifesto.
The Los Angeles Times reported that a law enforcement official had provided it with a police briefing that identified the suspect as a 25-year-old man from Twentynine Palms. Newsweek could not verify this claim.
What People Are Saying
Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office told reporters: “Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism.”
California Gavin Newsom wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “I’ve been briefed on the explosion near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. Jen and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi on X: “I have been briefed on the explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California that took place today. Federal agents are on the ground now responding alongside local law enforcement. We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
What Happens Next
Authorities are still investigating the attack and are yet to name a suspect.
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