A powerful explosion rocked the American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs around 11 a.m. on Saturday. The blast was so strong that it could be heard from over two miles away, according to The Desert Sun.
Lt. William Hutchinson with the Palm Springs Police confirmed that at least one person has died. NBC News also reported the fatality, citing law enforcement sources.
Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte told the Los Angeles Times that the explosion came from “a bomb in or near a vehicle parked at the building.” Photos and videos posted on social media show the building in ruins, with rubble scattered across the area and one of the clinic’s walls completely blown out.
The clinic, which has been serving patients since 2006, specializes in fertility treatments and in vitro fertilization. It has generally received positive reviews, with many praising its role in helping families. Fortunately, the clinic was closed on the day of the blast, and Dr. Maher Abdallah, the clinic’s director, said all staff members were safe.
“I really have no clue what happened,” Dr. Abdallah told the Associated Press. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.”
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the FBI is now investigating. “We are aware of the explosion that occurred this morning in Palm Springs,” Essayli said on X. “The FBI is on scene and will be investigating whether this was an intentional act. We will release as much information as possible once we are able to confirm details.”
A second bomb was found near a vehicle at the scene, raising further concerns about the potential targeting of the clinic.
