Palm Springs, CA — A powerful explosion, described by authorities as an “intentional act of terrorism,” tore through a parking lot near the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) fertility clinic on North Indian Canyon Drive at East Tachevah Drive in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m. The blast, believed to have originated from a vehicle, claimed one life, injured at least five others, and caused severe damage to the clinic and nearby buildings, sending shockwaves through this desert community.
The explosion was felt more than two miles away, with witnesses describing a percussive boom that shattered windows and scattered debris across multiple blocks. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills confirmed the fatality, noting that the identity of the deceased remains unknown, but suggest the person who died may be the suspect in the blast. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are on the scene, deploying bomb technicians and evidence response teams to investigate what Mayor Ron deHarte confirmed was “a bomb in or near a vehicle parked at the building.”
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the ARC clinic, told The Associated Press that the explosion damaged the facility’s office space but left the IVF lab, including all stored eggs and embryos, unharmed. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients,” Abdallah said, confirming that no staff members were injured. The clinic issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of life and injuries, emphasizing its commitment to resume operations by Monday. “This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us,” the statement read, praising the swift response of Palm Springs police, fire, and emergency crews.
Social media posts captured the aftermath, showing shattered windows at a nearby liquor store and debris strewn across the street, with some graphic images circulating online. The explosion’s force was so intense that it caved in parts of the clinic’s roof and left only an axle of the vehicle at the scene.
Palm Springs officials have urged residents to avoid the area around North Indian Canyon Drive and to report any potential evidence to authorities without disturbing it. The blast field, described as extending for blocks, has prompted an active search for additional devices, with investigators raiding a property in Twentynine Palms believed to be linked to the suspect. California Governor Gavin Newsom, briefed on the incident, stated that the state is coordinating with local and federal authorities through the Office of Emergency Services.
The motive behind the explosion remains unclear. Mayor deHarte said “We don’t have the why or who yet,” emphasizing that there is no indication of further threats. Speculation about possible motives, including connections to anti-abortion extremism or a disgruntled patient, has emerged, but authorities have not confirmed any specific intent. The incident’s classification as a potential act of terrorism is under investigation, with Palm Springs Police Lieutenant William Hutchinson noting that “everything is in question.”
The FBI stated in a press conference that this is “an intentional act of terrorism.”
As Palm Springs grapples with the aftermath, the community mourns the loss of life and awaits answers. The FBI, ATF, and local authorities continue their meticulous work to uncover the circumstances of this devastating explosion, with a news conference scheduled for later this evening to provide further updates.
For updates or to report information, contact the Palm Springs Police Department. This is a developing story, and additional details will be shared as they become available.
