Los Angeles, United States - May 17, 2025 05/17/2025 11:00 am GMT-0700 PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – A powerful explosion reportedly originating from a vehicle parked outside a fertility clinic rocked Palm Springs, resulting in one fatality and extensive damage to the clinic and nearby businesses. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills confirmed that the blast occurred around 11 a.m. in the 1100 block of North Indian Canyon Drive, where the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic is located. The explosion heavily damaged the clinic, and Mills stated that the identity of the deceased person is still unknown. Witnesses shared images online showing what appeared to be part of a body covered with a white blanket near the blast scene. Mills indicated that the explosion "appears to be an intentional act of violence," noting that the blast field extended for several blocks and impacted multiple buildings, some severely. He emphasized that the incident seemed to be isolated. The owner of the fertility clinic stated in a message that a vehicle parked near the clinic exploded, resulting in significant damage to the office space. Photos from the scene depict the remains of a vehicle in the clinic's rear parking lot, with the explosion's force evident as it ripped through the front facade of the building. Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that a bomb was involved, situated in or near the vehicle at the site. Several federal authorities quickly arrived at the scene to determine whether the explosion was an act of terrorism. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced on social media that the FBI is investigating the incident. “We will release as much information as possible once we are able to confirm details,” he stated. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed on social media that her administration understands the importance of women's health services and condemned the violence against the fertility clinic. The FBI announced it is responding to the explosion in coordination with local law enforcement, deploying investigators, bomb technicians, and an evidence response team. Meanwhile, Nicole Lozano, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, indicated that ATF personnel were also on-site, assisting with the investigation. According to an unnamed law enforcement source cited by ABC7 in Los Angeles, five people were injured in the explosion, and the individual who died was considered a suspect in the incident. Video footage from onlookers displayed debris spread across the street in front of the clinic, with shattered windows reported at neighboring businesses, including a nearby liquor store. Residents throughout the city felt the tremors from the explosion. The American Reproductive Centers facility was closed at the time of the explosion. According to its website, the clinic is the Coachella Valley's first and only full-service fertility center, offering services such as in vitro fertilization, LGBTQ family building, egg donation, and embryo transfer. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the clinic, confirmed that while the office space suffered damage, the lab remained intact. He reassured the public that no clinic employees were injured and that “a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building.” Abdallah expressed gratitude that all reproductive materials remained secure and emphasized the clinic's commitment to helping families build hope in the face of tragedy. He affirmed that the clinic would reopen for business on Monday, despite the damage. Nearby, Desert Regional Medical Center reported no significant damage from the explosion. A hospital spokesperson mentioned that the staff is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation while maintaining normal operations in their emergency department. Visitors were asked to avoid coming to the hospital due to restricted access to the road in front of the facility. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident and stated that the state is coordinating with local and federal authorities to support the response efforts. Assemblyman Greg Wallis and Rep. Ken Calvert both expressed their concerns regarding the incident and mentioned they are liaising with law enforcement as the situation develops.