After the explosion in front of a fertility clinic in the California Palm Springs, the investigators named a 25-year-old man as a suspect. They assumed that this person was the dead who was found at the explosion site, Akil Davis from the FBI in Los Angeles announced on Sunday. Davis emphasized that this was a deliberate act of terrorist. According to the authorities, four people were injured at the explosion on Saturday morning (local time).
The 25-year-old lived in Twentynine Palms, a neighboring town of Palm Springs. Investigators had also searched a building there. They no longer assumed another danger to the population, said Davis.
What happened?
The area around the clinic in the south of the US state had shaken a strong explosion and caused serious damage, as could be seen on television pictures. Several buildings were damaged, window panes broke. The “American Reproductive Centers” fertility clinic was most severely affected.
In a message on Facebook, the clinic management spoke of a “tragic incident”. A vehicle has exploded in a parking lot near the clinic. Employees were not violated. The laboratory area with embryos and other materials also took no damage.
“This moment has shaken us – but it doesn’t stop us. We will continue to serve with strength, love and hope and bring new life into the world,” said the message. The clinic offers several services on its website, including artificial fertilization-also called in vitro fertilization (IVF)-freezing of egg cells, surrogacy and LGBTQ+family planning.
Possible motif is still being examined
In this case, among other things, the Federal Police FBI is investigating. “This is probably one of the biggest bomb examinations that we had in Southern California,” said Davis. The suspect had carried out a targeted attack on a fertility clinic. According to Davis, the 25-year-old tried to spread the attack by livestream online.
What does the Trump government say?
“Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable,” wrote Minister of Justice Pam Bondi on X. “Let me say clearly: The Trump government understands that women and mothers are the heart of America.”
Donald Trump had described himself as the “father of fertilization” in the election campaign. As President, he then signed a decree with which access to artificial fertilization is to be expanded. He recently even called himself a “president of fertilization”. However, the topic in the United States repeatedly ensures debates, especially among conservative-religious groups.
