The suspect in Saturday’s bombing at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs has been identified as Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old from Twentynine Palms, approximately 35 miles northeast of the city.
Authorities say Bartkus left behind a 30-minute audio manifesto outlining his motives, in which he described himself as a “pro-mortalist” and expressed anger over human existence.
In the recording, Bartkus stated, “I figured I would just make a recording explaining why I’ve decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic. Basically, it just comes down to I’m angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here.”
He further condemned in vitro fertilization (IVF), calling it “extremely wrong” and criticizing those who “thought about” having children. “How much more stupid can it get?” he said in the recording.
According to law enforcement sources, Bartkus attempted to film the attack using a tripod-mounted camera, but the footage failed to upload to his website.
Connection to Earlier Death of Friend
On his website, Bartkus referenced the death of his best friend, Sophie, who he claimed shared his anti-life views.
He wrote that she had recently died after convincing her boyfriend to shoot her while she slept.
“IIRC we had agreed that if one of us died, the other would probably soon follow,” Bartkus wrote.
This appears to align with the April 22 death of 27-year-old Sophie Tinney in Fox Island, Washington.
Her boyfriend, 29-year-old Lars Eugene Nelson, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Authorities believe Tinney persuaded Nelson to kill her.
Prosecutors say Nelson fatally shot his girlfriend at a Fox Island home on Sunday, then called 911 to report her death as a suicide.
Bartkus is believed to be the only fatality in the explosion at American Reproductive Centers, though officials have yet to formally confirm his identity through remains. Four others were injured and hospitalized.
An FBI spokesman stated, “Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism.” The clinic was closed at the time of the attack, and officials confirmed that all stored embryos remain unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing.