The father of the 25-year-old suspect believed by authorities to be behind the car bombing outside a fertility clinic has revealed his son’s troubling behavior as a child.
The American Reproductive Centers (ARC) clinic in Palm Springs, California, was severely damaged by the blast on Saturday morning, which injured four victims and killed suspected bomber Guy Edward Bartkus.
Bartkus was identified as the key suspect by the FBI on Sunday, and his estranged father, Richard Bartkus later spoke to the media about his son’s past, saying he’d once burned down the family home at age 9.
Newsweek has reached out to the FBI by email seeking further information on the investigation.
Why It Matters
The FBI described the attack as an “intentional act of terrorism” targeting the clinic, which offers various services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing.
A manifesto allegedly written by Bartkus was circulated online espousing pro-mortalist views; the idea that death for all is preferable than living. And, according to local news station KTLA, detectives also found a 30-minute audio recording that was potentially linked to Bartkus, in which a man describes his “anti-life” views, his opposition to IVF, his fury that he exists because “nobody got my consent to bring me here,” and his hopes to “sterilize this planet of the disease of life.”
What To Know
Bartkus, who lived in the Twentynine Palms area about an hour away from the clinic, is said to have died when his car exploded outside the facility. Parts of the building were blown apart, while windows in nearby businesses and homes were shattered.
Four bystanders were injured by the blast, although their wounds were said to be minor. The clinic was closed at the time of the explosion and all of the stored embryos were unharmed.
Bartkus reportedly set up a camera and tripod to film the attack, although the footage was never uploaded online.
Bartkus’ father, Richard Bartkus, 75, spoke to KTLA 5 News on Sunday, revealing he had not seen his son for 11 years.
The 75-year-old described his son as a “smart, good kid,” before he “started changing.” He said he had set the family home alight while he was playing with matches.
The FBI has identified Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of 29 Palms as the primary suspect in the #PalmSprings vehicle explosion. The vehicle was a silver Ford Fusion sedan, plate 8HWS848. Please call 1800 CALLFBI with information or upload relevant video/images at https://t.co/CnxyRN1YIv pic.twitter.com/dYAG26xCYY
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) May 18, 2025
What People Are Saying
Richard Bartkus wept as he told the broadcaster: “After he had burned the house down, he started changing a little bit—he’d light fires. I was too strict for him, so he wanted to stay with Mom until the divorce came through. Mom was lenient.”
The boy was “a follower who was easily influenced by others,” he added.
The American Reproductive Centers (ARC) released a statement over the weekend, saying: “At ARC, we believe in creating life—not just in the biological sense, but in the emotional and spiritual sense, too. We see this moment as a reminder to hold loved ones close, to show kindness whenever possible, and to continue our work with even more intention and heart.
“From adversity, we choose hope. ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have. We appreciate the incredible support from our patients and local community, as well as the swift action of Palm Springs Police, Fire, and emergency responders.”
What Happens Next
The investigation continues as the authorities comb through evidence at the bomb site, the suspect’s home, and his electronic devices.
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