One person is dead after a car explosion near a California fertility clinic, according to Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) Lieutenant Mike Villegas, The Desert Sun reported on Saturday.
“Everything is in question, whether this is an act of terrorism,” PSPD Lieutenant William Hutchinson told the local paper at the scene.
Villegas also said on the scene that the explosion was an “intentional act of violence.” It is not yet confirmed what the cause of the explosion was.
“This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building,” American Reproductive Centers wrote in a statement posted on its Facebook page. “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.”
Newsweek has reached out to the City of Palm Springs via email as well as the American Reproductive Centers over the phone on Saturday.
The Context
American Reproductive Centers is a fertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic that offers frozen embryo transfers using patient and donor eggs, according to its website.
It is currently unknown if the explosion, which was first reported around 11 a.m. PST, was targeting the center.
What To Know
Investigators from the Los Angeles office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that they were responding to the explosion.
“FBI assets being deployed include investigators, bomb technicians & an evidence response team. Please contact local authorities for safety precautions in the area,” the agency posted.
Unnamed police sources told the Associated Press (AP) that the incident was being investigated as a possible car explosion. The AP said an official who spoke to the news agency believed that the deceased person may be the individual who set off the blast.
In an X post Saturday evening, President Donald Trump‘s Attorney General Pam Bondi insinuated that the blast was targeting the fertility clinic. She wrote: “let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
According to California Governor Gavin Newsom‘s office on X, he is aware of the explosion and is coordinating with local and federal authorities.
Hutchinson told The Desert Sun that the FBI “will be investigating whether this was an intentional act.”
Meanwhile, multiple videos on social media show windows knocked out in several surrounding businesses.
In its advisory on Facebook, the City of Palm Springs asked that “residents stay away from the area so that emergency crews can work the incident.”
Residents commenting on the advisory wrote that they felt a loud boom that shook homes and businesses throughout the area.
American Reproductive Centers is closed on weekends and is led by Dr. Maher Abdallah, the clinic’s website shows.
Dr. Abdallah is listed as one of the “best infertility doctors in America” by U.S. News and World Report, the clinic’s website reads.
What People Are Saying
California Gavin Newsom wrote in a post on X: “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.”
American Reproductive Centers wrote in a statement posted on its Facebook page: “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.”
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?
Investigators and first responders from multiple jurisdictions are still arriving on the scene, according to The Desert Sun.
The FBI will determine if the incident has any links to terrorism.
Update 5/17/25, 8:01 p.m. ET: A statement from Attorney General Pam Bondi was added.
Update 5/17/25, 7:11 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 5/17/25, 6:11 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information. This article’s headline has also been updated.
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