A deadly bomb blast happened outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday. One person died, and at least four others were hurt. The FBI has officially called it an “act of terrorism.”
FBI’s Los Angeles chief, Akil Davis, said, “This was done on purpose.” He also mentioned it is one of the biggest bombing cases in Southern California.
The explosion happened around 11 a.m. and was so strong that it shattered windows and damaged several buildings, including part of the American Reproductive Centers clinic.
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Police believe the bomb came from a car in the clinic’s parking lot. A burned car axle was found at the scene. The identity of the person who died hasn’t been shared yet, but officials think that person may have been the bomber.
An AK-47-style gun was also found nearby. Investigators believe the clinic was purposely targeted, but they are still figuring out whether it was domestic or international terrorism. They are also checking if the blast was livestreamed online.
Thankfully, no patients were at the clinic during the blast, and the lab storing embryos and other medical materials was not harmed. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, said, “Thankfully, no patients were here today.”
The blast sent car parts flying across five lanes of traffic and damaged nearby places, like a liquor store and a hospital.
Police chief Andy Mills told the public that this seems to be a one-time incident and there is no ongoing danger. Still, as a safety step, Planned Parenthood shut down 19 of its centers in Southern California.
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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi strongly condemned the attack, calling it “unforgivable.” She added that the Trump administration stands with women and mothers.
The Center for Reproductive Rights also called the bombing “horrific” and asked for better protection for clinics, saying that patients must feel safe.
Federal agents and local police are still investigating the scene. This could become a major terrorism case in California.
