The man suspected of bombing an IVF clinic in Palm Springs had a bizarre connection to a woman who was killed weeks before the horrific incident.
According to the FBI, Guy Edward Bartkus, aged 25, is alleged to have triggered the explosion just before 11 a.m. on Saturday at the American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs. The incident took place inside a silver Ford Fusion sedan.
Bartkus was the sole fatality in what authorities are describing as a ‘deliberate act of terrorism.’ Four additional individuals sustained injuries, though none were employees of the clinic, as confirmed by city officials.
In his writings, Bartkus reportedly identified himself as a ‘pro-moralist,’ a term he used to describe someone committed to hastening their own death to avert their future suffering and, more crucially, the distress their existence would inflict on other sentient beings.
On his website, where a file allegedly failed to upload a video he recorded of the terror attack, Bartkus said his best friend Sophie shared similar views as him, BNO News reported.
He also mentioned that Sophie recently died after she allegedly convinced her boyfriend to shoot her in her sleep.
His account appeared to line up with the murder of Sophie Tinney, 27, who died on April 20 of multiple gunshot wounds to the head in a home in Fox Island, Washington.
Tinney’s boyfriend, Lars Eugene Nelson, 29, was later charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death.
Guy Edward Bartkus, the man suspected of carrying out the IVF terror attack in Palm Springs, California Saturday has a bizarre connection to a woman who was killed weeks earlier
Bartkus is the only person who died in the incident. Four others were injured but none of them are employees of the clinic
In the FAQ section of his website, Bartkus wrote: ‘IIRC (If I recall correctly) we had agreed that if one of us died, the other would probably soon follow.’
Tinney’s boyfriend, Lars Eugene Nelson, 29, was later charged with second-degree murder for his partner’s death.
Prosecutors allege the fatal shooting may have been planned and that Tinney convinced her boyfriend to take her life, per The News Tribune.
Nelson was released on a $750,000 bond following his arraignment on April 22. He is due back in court on Monday, according to records reviewed by the local outlet.
Bartkus also recorded a 30-minute-long audio clip explaining why he ‘decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic’ on Saturday.
‘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 said.
Bartkus also said he was ‘angry’ that IVF clinics exist, adding: ‘These are people who are having kids after they’ve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get?’
‘These are people who are having kids after they’ve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get?’
Bartkus mentioned that his close friend Sophie recently died after she allegedly convinced her boyfriend to shoot her in her sleep. A woman named Sophie Tinney died of multiple gunshots wounds to the head in April and her boyfriend Lars Eugene Nelson (pictured) was charged in connection to her death
He is suspected of setting off a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device outside of the clinic, which performs IVF treatments, egg collections and other procedures, according to its website.
Authorities found an AK-47 and an AR-Style rifle, as well as ammunition next to the burnt vehicle, the LA Times reported.
On Saturday, FBI officials raided his home and evacuated the neighborhood over fears it was a ‘blast zone.’
Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said the agency was running the investigation, but did not specify if the raid was connected to the fatal explosion.
Following the powerful explosion, Davis confirmed it was a terror attack.
‘Make no mistake: This is an intentional act of terrorism,’ Davis said during an evening news conference.
Multiple witnesses reported hearing a loud boom, and dramatic videos shared on social media show the explosion shattered windows of a nearby liquor store.
He is suspected of setting off a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device outside of the clinic, which performs IVF treatments, egg collections and other procedures
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, confirmed to The Associated Press that his facility was among the properties damaged in the blast.
He said all staff members were safe and accounted for.
The explosion impacted the office area used for patient consultations but did not harm the IVF laboratory or any of the stored embryos.
‘I really have no clue what happened,’ Dr Abdallah said. ‘Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.’
Graphic images from the scene seemed to show charred human remains.
American Reproductive Centers offer fertility treatments but do not perform abortions.
According to its website, the building houses the Coachella Valley’s first and only full-service fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization lab.
