A fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, sustained significant damage on Saturday following what the city’s mayor described as “an apparent explosion.”
Social media posts began circulating around 11 a.m. local time, showing smoke rising from the scene and shattered glass on the ground. The incident occurred less than a mile from downtown Palm Springs.
According to Lt. William Hutchinson, authorities believe at least one person has died.
“Everything is on the table, including the possibility of terrorism,” Hutchinson stated at the scene.
The explosion was powerful enough to be heard and felt within a two-mile radius, and as of noon, emergency personnel continued to arrive at the site
Officials urged the public to avoid the area so first responders could manage the situation safely.
Footage from the scene showed flames flickering near the clinic’s broken terra-cotta roof tiles, with debris strewn across the entrance.
The air remained filled with smoke as firefighters worked from across the street. Several nearby businesses were also impacted, including a liquor store with shattered front windows.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, told reporters during a news conference Saturday evening. He said investigators believe the clinic was targeted.
Statement from chief Andy Mills:
“@PSPD is working in a unified command for an explosion at 1199 North Indian Canyon. The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence and the blast field extends for blocks with several buildings damaged-some severely. Asst Director Davis of the FBI is onscene working closely with PSPD. The agents and officers on scene will make a determination as to who takes the investigative lead. There has been one fatality, the person’s identiy is not known. If residents find potential evidence, leave it in place and call the non-emergency number. Agents or officers will collect the evidence. Our first priority is to make the scene safe for our community. Thanks for your patience. The incident appears to be isolated.”
