PALM SPRINGS, CA – May 17, 2025 – A powerful explosion ripped through downtown Palm Springs on Saturday morning, causing extensive damage and leaving one person dead and at least four injured. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials are on the scene, investigating the incident as an “intentional act of terrorism,” believed to be a car bombing near an American Reproductive Centers facility.

 

The blast, which occurred just before 11 a.m. local time, has been described by FBI Los Angeles assistant director Akil David as “probably one of the largest bombing investigations that we’ve had in Southern California… on the scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County in 2018.” While acknowledging the attack was “targeted,” officials are still determining if it was an act of international or domestic terrorism.

 

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Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Miles described the scene as a “massive crime scene” extending across multiple blocks. “Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs,” Miles stated during a Saturday night news conference, adding, “We survived, and I can tell you that this city will rise and be more and be more effective as a beacon of hope than before.” Miles assured the public that the bombing was an isolated attack.

 

Authorities have not yet identified the deceased individual nor confirmed their relationship to a person of interest in the investigation.

Social media posts from the scene showed significant damage to nearby businesses, with windows blown out and debris scattered across streets.

 

The American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic confirmed that none of its staff members were harmed in the incident. While the building sustained damage, the company stated that its IVF lab, including vital eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials, were spared from the blast.

 

In a Facebook post, the clinic expressed its condolences: “We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected.”

The company is currently conducting a “complete safety inspection” and reaffirmed its commitment to its mission of “help[ing] build families.”

 

Personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Los Angeles are assisting the FBI with the ongoing investigation. The Palm Springs Police Department’s active call log indicated multiple responses for medical service and burglaries in the vicinity of the 1100 block of N Palm Canyon Drive following the explosion.

 

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, confirmed his office’s awareness of the explosion via an X post, pledging to release confirmed details as soon as possible.

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office also confirmed he had been briefed on the incident, stating that the state, through the California Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES), is coordinating with local and federal authorities to support the response.